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Oat Milk's Health Halo Tarnished by Sugar and Oil
12 Feb
Summary
- Oat milk is high in sugar and packed with oil, nutritionists warn.
- Supreme Court ruled it unlawful to brand oat drink as 'milk'.
- Soy milk is recommended as the most nutritious dairy alternative.
The popularity of oat milk has surged in recent years, but health experts are now raising concerns about its nutritional value. Despite its widespread adoption as a dairy alternative, nutritionists advise that oat milk may be a less healthy choice due to its high sugar and oil content.
This situation is compounded by a recent Supreme Court decision deeming it unlawful for companies to label oat-based beverages as 'milk.' This ruling ends a legal dispute and aims to clarify product labeling for consumers.
Experts explain that many oat milk products, especially barista versions, consist of a significant amount of water blended with oils and emulsifiers to achieve a frothy texture. These added oils can negatively impact cholesterol levels if consumed excessively. Furthermore, the high sugar content can lead to glucose spikes, potentially contributing to health issues like type 2 diabetes and heart disease over time.
In contrast, soy milk is presented as the most nutritionally sound plant-based alternative. Research suggests it is the most similar to traditional cow's milk and offers benefits like being low in calories and saturated fat, while containing beneficial plant-based proteins and isoflavones. Concerns about soy feminizing men are not supported by scientific evidence.
