Discover everything about homemade plant-based milks

As we grow older, we often stop drinking milk, but if we still enjoy coffee or any other milk-based beverage, it might not sit well with our stomach after our twenties. Fortunately, there are many plant-based options, but do you know what plant milk is?Plant milk is any liquid made from plant ingredients dissolved in water, which looks similar to animal milk but does not contain dairy. Thus, we have soy milk, rice milk, coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk, for example.Benefits of drinking plant milksThere are many good reasons to drink plant milks, but the main one is usually lactose intolerance, which, according to the Mexican National Academy of Medicine, affects 30 percent of adults in the country.Other reasons for drinking plant milks include their suitability for those who choose to eat vegetarian or vegan, along with the great taste and low-fat content in most plant-based milks.We can summarize the benefits of plant milks as follows:They are rich in vitamins and minerals (generally added to them)Most are low in fatThey contain no cholesterolThey have a healthy combination of mono and polyunsaturated fatsThey are perfect for people with a slow digestive systemWhat are plant milks and how are they used?The most popular plant milks are soy, almond, coconut, or rice milk, for example. Below, we give you some examples of their benefits and uses.Soy milk. Soy milk can generally be a substitute for cow's milk for cooking or baking, as it has the same consistency regarding proteins and fats as cow's milk. To make it, you need 1 cup of soybeans, 2 cups of water to soak them, 2 liters of water to make it, 1 cinnamon stick, and 3 teaspoons of agave nectar. First, you need to soak the beans for at least 8 hours; when the beans look swollen, drain and rinse them. Then blend them with 1 liter of clean water for 2 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a pot and add the other liter of water, cook with the cinnamon stick until it begins to boil, then remove from heat. Strain the liquid with a cheesecloth. Add the sweetener, dissolve it well, and you're done.Almond milk. It serves as a very healthy milk substitute, as it contains many vitamins, magnesium, iron, proteins, and fibers. Additionally, it is naturally very creamy.To make almond milk, click here to see the step-by-step guide explained with a video.Coconut milk. This milk has several health benefits; for example, it is known to strengthen the immune system. Coconut milk has a naturally creamy and tasty flavor.Make homemade coconut milk with this recipe.Rice milk. Rice milk is liked for its sweet flavor. It is also perfect for baking or for breakfast. However, it does not contain as much calcium or protein as cow's milk.See how to make homemade rice milk here.Oat milk. This type of plant milk contains fiber, which provides prebiotics, helping friendly bacteria in your system survive and thrive. In addition to pairing well with beverages like smoothies, it works in vegan recipes like mac and cheese, and to thicken soups and stews.For oat milk, soak 1 cup of oats in 5 cups of water for 30 minutes, strain, and blend the oats with vanilla extract, brown sugar, and salt with the soaking water. Strain with a sieve or cheesecloth twice or until there are no more oat remnants.No matter which plant-based beverage you choose, try to consume those without added sugar to better enjoy their benefits.