Many people are unable to drink milk, and this can hamper their nutrient intake. This is where milk alternatives come into the picture. Acharya Balkrishnaji, co-founder of Patanjali Ayurved, discusses the reasons behind milk intolerance, simple alternatives to replace milk, and Patanjali products that can be used to prepare them.
Why Are You Intolerant to Milk?
Being unable to drink milk means the body cannot properly react to milk proteins. In lactose intolerance, the digestive system is unable to break down lactose, the natural sugar found in milk. When you drink milk, your body may wrongly identify the protein as harmful and trigger an immune response. Signs include skin rashes, wheezing, swelling, diarrhoea, vomiting, and even anaphylaxis.
Ayurveda refers to this condition as Ksheeralasaka, or a dosha-related allergy, in which a weak digestive system and vitiated doshas cause milk to act like a toxin in the body. However, it is important to first determine whether the problem is a milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance. Once you understand the cause, you can choose healthy alternatives. Here are some options, along with the Patanjali products that can be used to prepare them.
4 Healthy Ayurvedic Alternatives to Milk
Flaxseed: Acharya Balkrishnaji reveals, “If you want an alternative to replace milk, I would suggest a simple experiment that will give you energy and work as a breakfast option. Take a few almonds, dry figs, raisins, and a few flaxseeds. These seeds are not expensive and have been used by Indians for ages. Soak everything overnight. In the morning, grind the mixture very finely and then strain it through a fine sieve. Grind the remaining mixture once again and strain it through the sieve. You will get around one to one-and-a-half glasses of milk, which will provide you with energy and strength.”
Patanjali Fig (Anjeer) (250 Gms) is rich in nutrients such as zinc, manganese, magnesium, iron, antioxidants, vitamins A, E, and K, as well as natural sugars. Patanjali Munakka Raisins (250 Gms) have cooling properties, support digestion, and help with weight management.
Rice Milk: This gluten-free and light alternative is suitable for those with Kapha Dosha, as it produces less mucus. Its mildly sweet taste also makes it a good option for people who are allergic to grains and nuts. However, those with blood sugar issues should avoid it because of its high glycaemic index. To prepare it, soak one cup of warm, cooked rice, blend it with three to four cups of water, and strain the mixture. Add a pinch of cinnamon, dry ginger, or black pepper to aid digestion. Patanjali Sona Masoori Rice (1 Kg and 5 Kg) is a fragrant, medium-grain rice that is ideal for making rice milk. It contains essential nutrients such as calcium, manganese, potassium, and iron, and is low in fat.
Almond Milk: This popular alternative has a creamy consistency and is rich in fibre, protein, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. Enjoy it warm in the morning or before going to bed. Add spices such as cardamom, saffron, cinnamon, or dry ginger to help prevent congestion. Soak 10 to 15 raw almonds in hot water for about two hours, then remove the peels. Blend them with half to two cups of warm water. Add honey or date syrup for sweetness, and strain the mixture to obtain the final milk.
Patanjali Mamra Almond Premium (250 Gms and 500 Gms) has a rich texture and is packed with potassium, iron, zinc, calcium, vitamins E, B2, and B3, antioxidants, and fibre.
Oat Milk: This healthy, fibre-rich, and cooling alternative helps calm the Vata dosha. Due to the inherent heaviness of oats, it is best consumed in moderation along with warming spices such as ginger, cinnamon, clove, black pepper, and cardamom. To prepare oat milk, add one cup of rolled oats to three to four cups of filtered cold water. Add one tablespoon of honey and a pinch of cinnamon. Blend the mixture well and then strain it. Use Patanjali Oats – rolled oats (40 Gms, 200 Gms and 1 Kg) to prepare oat milk. It is high in fibre and protein and is cholesterol-free.
If facing trouble with regular milk, these alternatives help your health without the side effects. Follow the suggestions by Acharya Balkrishnaji, the co-founder of Patanjali Ayurved, and use Patanjali products to make these options.
