Post: 4 Benefits of Oat Milk, Plus Nutrition and Risks

Vlad Fishman / Getty Images Oat milk is a popular plant milk made by blending oats with water. It’s lactose-free, vegan-friendly, and has a mildly sweet flavor and creamy texture.1 Oat milk is often used in lattes, cappuccinos, and smoothies.

Here’s what you need to know about oat milk, including its potential health benefits, nutrition, risks, and how to add it to your diet: 1. Safe for People With Kidney Stones

Oat milk may be a better option for people with kidney stones than other plant milks.

People with kidney stones are often asked to follow a diet low in oxalates, substances that bind with calcium in the urine, leading to calcium oxalate kidney stones. If you’re already at a high risk of kidney stones, a high-oxalate diet can increase your risk further.2

Oat milk is much lower in oxalates than other popular plant milks, such as almond or cashew milk, making it a safer option for people at risk for kidney stones.2 2. Lactose-Free and Vegan-Friendly

Cow’s milk contains a type of sugar called lactose, which can cause digestive issues in many people.

About 30 million people in the United States have some form of lactose intolerance .3 People with lactose intolerance don’t produce enough of an enzyme called lactase, which is necessary to break down lactose for the body to absorb it properly.4

People with lactose intolerance experience digestive symptoms, such as diarrhea and gas, after drinking milk or eating foods with lactose. If you have lactose intolerance, you should opt for lactose-free milk. Oat milk doesn’t naturally contain lactose, making it safe for people avoiding dairy products.5

Oat milk isn’t made with animal products, making it vegetarian and vegan-friendly. Dairy milk is often included in many dishes and recipes, so oat milk or other plant milk is a good substitution for people who follow vegan or vegetarian diets.4 3. Provides Several Nutrients, When Fortified Oat milk isn’t a good source of many vitamins and minerals on its own. However, many oat milk products are fortified with vitamins and minerals , meaning nutrients are added to the product after processing […]

4 Benefits of Oat Milk, Plus Nutrition and Risks