The milky way

Most adults drink milk in one form or another, in their tea or coffee, on their cereal, by the glass, enjoying a wide variety of cow, goat, nut, and plant-based options.

Consuming the correct foods after a workout can be an incredibly beneficial tool in your exercise routine.

For hydration, muscle protein increases, and to reduce the opportunity for injury, eating after intense activity is great. This all leads to better recovery, which soon results in better outcomes for both your body and mind.

From full cream to skim, coconut to almond, soy to rice, and hemp milk, debate about the healthiest type is continuous, as people want to know which is the healthiest to drink. Quite simply, there is no one milk that suits everyone, taking into account dietary requirements and taste preferences.

In the past, health pundits ranked different types of milks based on calorie content or saturated fat, but today’s literature and research stress the importance of insulin and blood sugar management over calories and fat, noting that each kind of milk has unique, distinctive nutritional qualities. Nutritionists and industry groups urge label literacy when choosing your milk.

Things you need to know:

Cow’s milk: The nutritional profile includes calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, iodine, and vitamins A, B, and D, and lactose, a natural sugar which will impact on glucose levels.
Soy milk: Made from the same legume soy as edamame and tofu, soy milk usually has additional nutrients added during the production process. It usually contains calcium and vitamins A and D, but most are more processed than other alternative milks, which means they have more sugar.
Almond milk: Made from waterlogged almonds, it is considered to have a “normal glucose response” after consumption.
Oat milk: While it includes fibre, it contains lots of sugar and little protein, so it will raise your blood sugars.
Coconut milk: Made by pressing coconut meat, it has a naturally sweet taste, contains saturated fat, which does not allow blood sugar to rise dramatically, and has medium-chain triglycerides to support the gut microbiome.
Hemp milk: Made from the seeds of the cannabis sativa plant, it includes a decent amount of protein, has some dietary fibre, and is gentle on the gut.