Stanisland Magazine

Oat milk has been at the forefront of the menu for vegans and the health-conscious alike. But, does it pose a health risk?

There is a video making the rounds on the internet claiming that oat milk is a health scam due to its production process. When you try to find the ingredients for this drink, it often means scrolling to the bottom of a webpage or carton, among a sea of copy-written material and/or marketing messages. But once you do find the information you’re seeking, how should you interpret it?

Why is oat milk bad for you?

Plant-based milk commonly used in coffee shops is typically heavily processed and is often laden with gut-friendly bacteria-killing ingredients linked to a plethora of health concerns.

The recipe for oat milk generally includes oats, water, soluble corn fibre, fortified minerals and vitamins such as calcium, B2, B12, D2, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, sea salt, and stabilising gellan gum. In general, the addition of vitamins, stabilisers, and emulsifiers can disrupt gut balance (dysbiosis), harming beneficial bacteria while promoting harmful strains.

READ: Optimal Gut Health: The Key to Wellness and Vitality

Incorporating oils into beverages, especially when the milk is heated (steamed), can pose potential risks to heart health, possibly increasing the likelihood of heart disease. Some preliminary tests have also suggested that oat milk might lead to spikes in blood sugar levels, although further research is needed to fully understand these effects.

What are the alternatives?

Organic-based plant milk is a possible option, as they’re essentially made up of oats, soy, almond, coconut, water, salt and nothing else.

Final thoughts

Just like vegetables, plant-based milks can experience nutrient degradation over time, potentially leading to reduced levels of vitamins and minerals compared to freshly prepared options. In this context, regular organic animal milk is a more nutritionally concentrated choice, although there are environmental and ethical considerations. If you decide to go for plant-based milk, it’s crucial to maintain a balanced diet which includes a variety of fruits and vegetables to ensure you meet your nutritional requirements.

Ultimately, it’s a beverage, not a health drink. Consuming regular organic milk can have far-reaching benefits for the body (starting in the gut) than plant-based milk unless you make your own. However, like anything, moderation is key.

Determining whether oat milk aligns with your nutritional and health goals is a personal decision. It’s worth considering that conventional oat milk might affect gut health, but there are alternatives like its organic variety. Keep in mind that further research is necessary to fully understand their advantages and disadvantages. The choice is ultimately up to you.