More and more consumers are looking for alternatives to dairy milk. In some cases, it is simply a matter of personal choice, whereas for other people, allergies and dietary needs dictate that they need to find a different product. Rice milk can be purchased in many supermarkets and can even be produced easily at home. Learn more about the potential benefits of rice milk and decide whether this is the right product for you.
RELATED: The Benefits of Milk
Low in lactose. Lactose is a form of sugar found in cow's milk. The human body digests lactose by producing an enzyme called lactase, which breaks the sugar down into simpler forms of sugar, which can then be easily absorbed by the bloodstream. Lactose intolerance occurs when your body does not produce enough lactase to complete this process. This causes a number of unpleasant symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea and nausea. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, African-Americans and Hispanics are prone to a higher incidence of lactose intolerance than Americans of European descent. Rice milk is therefore a good alternative.
Suitable for vegetarians. Rice milk is a good substitute for cow's milk if you are vegan or vegetarian as it is produced from a grain and has no animal additives. It can also be used in baking, so it is a versatile ingredient for many recipes, particularly cakes and baked desserts, that benefit from rice milk's natural sweetness.
Low in fat. Rice milk is suitable for women who are on a low-fat diet. The fat content in rice milk is far lower than in cow's milk. For example, a 240 ml serving of Rice Dream® contains just 2.5 g of fat in total, of which 0.5 g is polyunsaturated and 1.5 g is monounsaturated. The product contains no saturated fat or cholesterol, so for women looking to reduce their cholesterol intake, rice milk can be an excellent choice.
Low in protein. Your doctor may recommend a low-protein diet in a number of different medical circumstances. Women diagnosed with kidney or liver disease may need to reduce their protein intake. A low-protein diet reduces the workload on these organs and may be complemented by a low-sodium diet. Rice milk is low in protein and easily digested by the body, which makes it a suitable alternative for women on these specific diets. Note that you should always check with your doctor before making significant changes in your diet.
