Why Oat Milk Might Not Be The Best Choice If You Have Diabetes
Oat milk is a popular plant-based milk that is a favorite among vegans and people with issues digesting dairy. Its mild flavor and creamy texture makes it ideal for people who aren't fans of the stronger flavor of almond milk. While oat milk has many health benefits, it isn't great for everyone. According to Eat This, Not That!, oat milk often contains added sugar that can raise your blood sugar levels quickly when you drink it.
Oat milk is also higher in carbs than milk made from nuts. This is not inherently bad, but carbs can also raise your blood sugar and people with diabetes should be aware when consuming drinks that contain carbs and sugar. If you have diabetes, you may want to drink oat milk sparingly and try small amounts at a time. You should also drink unsweetened oat milk when possible to avoid added sugar. Eating fiber can also mitigate some of the effects of sugar and carbohydrates in the body.
Is oat milk actually healthy?
Oat milk gives off the appearance of health, but is this drink really good for you? According to Medical News Today, this type of milk is a good option as long as you are not diabetic and do not have celiac disease. Oat milk has more calories and carbohydrates than other kinds of milk, so it may also not be the best choice for people trying to lose weight or those on low-calorie diets.
According to Cleveland Clinic, oat milk typically has more protein and fiber than other plant-based milks. You'll also find calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, and riboflavin in this kind of milk. "Oat milk is typically fortified with riboflavin (aka Vitamin B2) and vitamin B12, two vitamins you'd find in cow's milk. The amounts added can vary quite a bit, and you'll typically find between 25 to 100% of the percent daily value in an 8-ounce cup of oat milk," Megan Wong, RD, a Registered Dietitian at AlgaeCal, told Eat This, Not That!. Just be sure to stick with unsweetened oat milk to avoid added sugar.