Vegetable Drinks: Properties And Benefits
Vegetable drinks are products that have become fashionable in recent years. They are emerging as a substitute for milk, since they are a good option for those who are lactose intolerant. However, it is necessary to take into account certain issues related to its labeling to choose one of good nutritional quality.
What are its possible benefits? In what situations is its consumption recommended? Regarding these foods there are these and many other doubts. To make it clear, below we will tell you more about its properties and uses.
Vegetable drinks, a substitute for milk
Milk is a food that contains a great nutritional density. However, it is not a good option for those individuals who have developed lactose intolerance. There are varieties of this drink devoid of the sugar that causes discomfort, but their organoleptic qualities are not the same. This can condition its consumption.
In parallel, vegetable drinks are an alternative due to their supply of nutrients. Their protein and fat content is lower, but as long as they do not have added sugars, they are a suitable substitute for low-calorie diets.
Sometimes they are enriched with essential nutrients, such as B vitamins. These are important for energy metabolism, according to a study published in the journal Sub-cellular Biochemistry . Introducing them in the diet, in the necessary amounts, reduces the risk of damage to cells and DNA.
Vegetable drinks are more digestive
One of the characteristics of vegetable drinks is their easy digestion. Being a product very low in fat and protein, it presents a rapid gastric emptying and does not usually cause discomfort.
In this way, it can be an option to add to coffee or smoothies in those who suffer from stomach or intestinal pain. Vegetable drinks go well with fruits, so they are also suitable for preparing smoothies.
However, if you usually suffer from problems related to intestinal transit or the digestion process, it may be recommended that you go to the specialist. Sometimes these disorders are linked to intestinal dysbiosis, which could be corrected by supplementing with probiotics, according to a study published in the Journal of Biomedical Science.
Contain protein
They are not proteins of high biological value, the proportion in which they are found is lower than in milk, but vegetable drinks also have this type of nutrients.
For vegan diets they are a good option, as they help to complete the protein intake. However, it should be clarified that they are not proteins of high biological value, they present deficiencies in terms of essential amino acids and their digestibility can be improved.
Consequently, they should not be a single source of protein, but must be combined with other plant products that contain this macronutrient. To ensure an optimal intake, it is best to follow the nutritionist’s instructions.
Beware of drinks that contain sugar
When buying vegetable drinks, it is necessary to pay attention to the labeling of the product. There are some varieties that contain added sugars. This ingredient improves its flavor, but significantly reduces its nutritional quality.
As an investigation published in the journal Advances in Nutrition explains , consuming excess simple sugars increases the risk of developing metabolic diseases. Therefore, the addition of carbohydrates to vegetable drinks can condition health and increase the incidence of diabetes.
It is essential to carefully read the labeling of these products and choose those varieties that are free of added sugars. In addition, it is recommended to consume those that contain a higher proportion of vegetables in their composition, such as rice or oats.
Vegetable drinks can be included in the usual diet
It is not recommended to substitute milk for vegetable drinks if there is no previous pathological situation, such as lactose intolerance or an allergy to cow’s milk proteins. However, it can be a food to use in the daily diet.
When the goal is to provide a flavored liquid base for a shake or smoothie , vegetable drinks are often a more digestive option than dairy products. In any case, remember to choose the varieties without added sugar; otherwise, you will be acquiring a product of little nutritional value.
Finally, keep in mind that some of these vegetable drinks are enriched with vitamins or minerals, which can be an option when it comes to avoiding deficiencies.
