What's in your almond milk?

      

Since starting on the GAPS/paleo diet this year, our consumption of almonds has increased considerably. As a family we probably consume on average 3 kg of almonds every fortnight. This would not include the amount of almonds that are included in our almond milk. Yes, that's right....I don't make my almond milk, I buy it!!!

I know, I know..it is not GAPS legal AND I should be making it from scratch, but sometimes something has gotta give. And in this house it's the almond milk. I definitely have the utensils to make my own almond milk (Thermomix to grind the almonds and a dehydrator to dry them out and use as flour). But it still is a process.

The reason why buying almond milk in a UHT container is considered 'illegal' is because it is processed when you purchase it this way, and it can also contain many additives and preservatives which can give reactions to some people and inhibit the healing process of your GUT.

There are two reasons why I decided to write this post. One because I was amazed of the difference of almond milk quality out on our supermarket shelves and two, because I came across an article that was published by The Guardian in late 2015 on why consuming almond milk is bad for our planet. One of the main contributors to this, is that it take 5 litres of water to produce ONE almond! But, in comparison, it takes 100 litres of water to produce 100ml of cow's milk.

As a family, I know we buy a lot of almonds. But what about the rest of the world? Majority of almonds come from California U.S.A, supplying 85% of the world's demand. Australia is the next exporter to the world, but is a mere 6.5%, with India being our biggest importer.  The full report for 2014/15 from The Australian Almond Board provides various information on almonds from planting, growing, harvesting to consumer purchase.

There are many benefits in consuming almonds. Today they are used as a milk alternative, flour alternative and contains a high amount of protein from a vegetarian perspective. Each almond nut also has good fats and natural sources of Vitamin E. To get a full nutrient profile visit www.whfoods.org for a full report.

The negative aspects of eating almonds is that some people are allergic to almonds and can be life threatening. Almonds are also high in oxalates, which is a natural compound found in various foods that can cause kidney stones when eaten in excess and intolerances.

      

So I got my detective glasses on, pen and paper ready and did some detective work Ruby Redfort style! (if you don't have an 8 year old daughter you may not know who she is). So this is what I came up with.......

I only went to one supermarket, but I am sure you get the idea of how important it is to read labels. By doing this article I became aware of the additive 'carrageenan', which is from red algae and often used as a thickening agent. There is a lot of research regarding carrageenan and it's harmful effects on your body. Fortunately I only found it in one product.

If you would like to know more about food and how they can effect your body, please book an appointment today or you can send me a message.

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