Is your go-to milk alternative not as healthy as you thought?

If you’re like most people, the answer is probably yes. Many of us think that because milk alternatives are vegan and lactose-free, they must be healthy. But if you look a little deeper, many of these milks contain hidden ingredients that can be bad for your gut and bad for your health. Let's take a look at some of these ingredients and why they're worth avoiding.

Seed Oils

So why are seed oils so prevalent in milk alternatives? It turns out that they’re cheaper to produce than other ingredients like nuts or grains, so manufacturers often use them to cut costs. This means that while some products do advertise “no added sugar” or “no artificial flavors” on their packaging, they may still be using seed oils as a way to add flavor without spending extra money on more expensive ingredients like nuts or grains. Unfortunately for consumers who don’t know about this issue with seed oils, it can significantly increase their risk for chronic disease if they consume too much of these EFAs from consuming milk alternatives over time.

Natural Flavors

Some milk alternatives contain natural flavors that can have a number of negative effects on the body. Natural flavors are usually added to enhance the flavor and aroma of a product, but they can also contain additives like MSG, which can cause headaches and other symptoms. In addition, natural flavors may also include artificial preservatives that can disrupt the balance in your digestive system.

Gums and Emulsifiers

Gums are often added to milk alternatives to give them a thicker texture. They're derived from plant sources like seaweed or guar gum, but research has shown that gums may also interfere with digestion by blocking absorption of essential nutrients in food. Similarly, emulsifiers are added to help keep certain components in suspension (like oil and water). However, research has found that emulsifiers may contribute to digestive issues like bloating and gas.

Carageenan

Carageenan is an ingredient commonly found in almond milk and other milk alternatives. It's derived from seaweed extract and acts as an additive that helps thicken liquids while maintaining their creamy consistency. Unfortunately, carageenan has been linked to inflammation in the gut which can lead to digestive issues such as bloating, cramping and diarrhea. While it is considered safe for consumption by regulatory agencies like the FDA, it’s still something worth avoiding if possible.

So what does this mean for our favorite milk alternatives? It means we need to read labels more carefully before we buy them! Many brands now offer organic versions without any fillers or additives – so make sure you’re choosing those over ones with added gums or emulsifiers whenever possible. And if you’re looking for something truly natural – try making your own cashew or oat milk at home!

That way you know exactly what's going into it – no mystery ingredients or unpleasant surprises!  

By being aware of what’s actually in our food – we’ll be able to make better choices when it comes to our favorite drinks like oat or almond milk - ones that will benefit our skin just as much as they please our taste buds!