Oats, soy, spelt, rice… what are the positives and negatives of plant milk?

First of all, clarification: name plant milk persists in common and marketing language despite the publication in 1997 of European regulations that define milk as “product from the milking of one or more cows“. In 2013, the National Agency for Food Safety (ANSES) clarified that the only plant-based drinks allowed to bear the name “milk” are coconut milk and almond milk. In short, we are talking about “.milks“Plants represent an abuse of language.

Vigilance points

These drinks or juices are usually made by grinding the plant in question, then extracting the juice and adding water. As a result, their composition is radically different from that of cow’s milk. The resulting preparation is in no way a substitute for cow’s milk, especially for young children for whom it is not enough to meet their needs for minerals and, in particular, for proteins.

Moreover, these juices do not strengthen our bones. These drinks turn out to be too low in minerals, primarily calcium (not forgetting magnesium, selenium, vitamin B12, etc.) to effectively contribute to strengthening our bone capital and our immune defense.

Another cause for concern reported by the National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (INRAE): based on a Greek study, it points to potential risks associated with global warming. Until now, its representatives emphasize,”these foods can be stored at room temperature for several months without risk of spoilage because the difference between cooking and processing temperatures is so great that the spores cannot survive.“In particular, bacteria called Geobacillus stearothermophilus.

But under the influence of rising temperatures, there may be a risk of worsening the condition: G. steathermophilus therefore, it can withstand ultra-high temperature (UHT) treatment in this case. Even to the point of recommending transportation of these substances in trucks. “heat-insulated”. In short, like milk.

Some benefits

• No lactose: However, oat or soy juice are foods of choice for people with lactose intolerance. In fact, these patients face “The problem of digesting sugar contained in milk and its processed products”, emphasizes health insurance. With a potential change in daily life due to accelerated intestinal transit and therefore the presence of gas, painful bloating and diarrhea;
• No milk proteins (cow’s, etc.): Therefore, these drinks are suitable for people with allergies to milk proteins. This type of allergy manifests itself from a very early age through skin (urticaria, etc.), digestive (diarrhea, vomiting) and/or respiratory (rhinitis, conjunctivitis or even asthma attacks) manifestations;
• Very low in lipids: These plant juices are unlikely to increase your load, particularly in terms of bad cholesterol.

In any case, if, like any food, they must be consumed in moderation, they represent an alternative for those who want to add variety to their drinks and get closer to the feeling of drinking milk. In particular, using them, for example, in preparing porridges.