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Research Paper | Food Science | India | Volume 14 Issue 5, May 2025 | Popularity: 5.7 / 10
Nutritional Profile and Health Benefits of Plant-Based Milk, A Comprehensive Systematic Review
Deepika Sharma, Ekta Singh Chauhan
Abstract: The demand for plant-based milk substitutes as alternatives to traditional dairy milk has grown dramatically as a result of the global trend toward plant-based diets. In order to evaluate the significance of plant-based milk alternatives in human nutrition and health, this systematic review examines the nutritional profile and health advantages of soy, almond, oat, coconut, rice, and other cutting-edge substitutes. The nutritional profiles of various plant-based milk varieties vary significantly, according to a comparative investigation. The most nutritionally similar to cow's milk is soy milk, which has a high protein content and vital amino acids. Unless fortified, almond milk is low in calories and lipids but deficient in calcium and protein. Oat milk has a lot of dietary fiber, especially beta-glucans, which lower cholesterol and promote cardiovascular health. Although coconut milk is lower in protein and other vital nutrients, it does include medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are necessary for energy metabolism. Although it is hypoallergenic and appropriate for sensitive people, rice milk is often high in carbohydrates and low in protein. Plant-based milk has substantial health benefits for certain groups, such as people with lactose intolerance, dairy allergy, and people looking to control their weight or lower their cholesterol. The dietary inadequacies frequently linked to avoiding dairy milk are addressed by fortified plant-based milks, especially for calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. Frequent intake of fortified variations has been demonstrated to benefit weight management, cardiovascular health, and bone health. Additionally, some types, such as oat milk, have prebiotic properties that promote gastrointestinal health. Due to ethical concerns and alleged health benefits, vegan milk has become a well-liked substitute for dairy milk. The nutritional benefits, potential risks, and health implications of consuming vegan milk are examined in this essay. This paper shows the benefits of popular vegan milk substitutes like almond, soy, oat, and coconut milk for cardiovascular health, lowering the risk of allergies, and helping people who are lactose intolerant by reviewing research on these options. There is also discussion on how to incorporate vegan milk into a well-rounded diet. To sum up, plant-based milk is a viable substitute for dairy milk that offers a number of health advantages and supports sustainable food systems. For groups at risk of vitamin shortages in particular, fortification is still essential to improving nutritional value. To satisfy a range of customer demands, further research is required to improve formulations, assess long-term health impacts, and increase the selection of plant-based milk sources.
Keywords: Plant-Based Milk, Nutritional Composition, Health Benefits, Fortification, Dairy Alternatives, Sustainability
Edition: Volume 14 Issue 5, May 2025
Pages: 235 - 237
DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.21275/MR25502182233
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