The Oat Milk Dilemma and the Possible Impact on Your Fertility and Blood Sugar
Mar 27, 2024
Are you in love with the creaminess of oatmilk? We get it! It is one of the most velvety alternatives out there right now and makes an absolutely delicious latte but…do you know it may be impacting both your fertility and blood sugar levels?
Understanding the Impact of Milk Choices on Fertility
You may be shocked by this topic or perhaps you are already diving into how choosing the right milk alternative can play a significant role in your health and fertility. Either way let us start by saying we are NOT going to leave you high and dry. We have gathered the resources to help you understand the milk choices available and how they may impact your fertility journey.
The Oat Milk Dilemma: Balancing Health and Blood Sugar
Now, let's talk about oat milk. It's become a trendy choice for those looking to ditch dairy due to allergies, sensitivities, or concerns about inflammation. And hey, we totally get it! Dairy is a common culprit for all sorts of health issues, including fertility challenges. Most of our team is dairy free and understand the desire for a delicious milk choice for baking, cooking, lattes and the such. But before you make the switch to oat milk, there are a few things to consider. First, not all oat milk is gluten free. Be sure to check for this. Also, many milk alternatives are loaded with additives so we encourage you to always read your labels. But what we are learning people are most surprised by is the potential impact on your blood sugar levels.
Blood Sugar Rollercoaster: The Pitfalls of Oat Milk Consumption
Oat milk may seem like a healthier alternative, but it can still present challenges when it comes to blood sugar regulation. You see, while oats themselves are a great source of fiber, which can help slow down the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream, oat milk often contains added sugars and lacks the protein and healthy fats needed to balance out its impact on blood sugar.
Exploring Fertility-Friendly Milk Alternatives
So, what's a fertility and health-focused person to do? Thankfully, there are plenty of other non-dairy milk alternatives that are more likely to support both your blood sugar and your fertility goals. Many of these are available at most grocery stores and some are very easy to make at home. If you find the texture or taste doesn’t totally fit your preferences, consider blends. We find almond and coconut together to be quite delicious.
Almond Milk: A Nutrient-Packed Option for Fertility Support
First up, we have almond milk. Not only is almond milk low in sugar, but it's also rich in vitamin E and healthy fats, which are essential for hormone production and overall reproductive health. It is super easy to find and Malk makes an extremely clean option with nothing added but water and salt. Plus, it's deliciously creamy and pairs perfectly with your morning smoothie.
Coconut Milk: Naturally Sweet and Blood Sugar-Friendly
Next on the list is coconut milk. This creamy delight is not only dairy-free but also naturally sweet without any added sugars. Plus, coconut milk contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can provide a quick source of energy without spiking your blood sugar levels. It is a great source of healthy fat and is a great alternative to cream in your coffee or milk in your mashed potatoes. You can easily find full fat canned coconut milk that has no added ingredients.
Hemp Milk: Omega-3 Powerhouse for Fertility and Inflammation Reduction
Let's not forget about hemp milk. Made from nutrient-rich hemp seeds, this alternative is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to support fertility and reduce inflammation in the body. Plus, it has a slightly nutty flavor that adds a unique twist to your favorite recipes. This is probably one of the easiest to make at home too. Blend ½ cup hemp seeds with 4 cups of water, strain and enjoy! It is easily flavored with vanilla or cocoa powder too! Chocolate hemp milk anyone?
Cashew Milk: Creamy Indulgence with Blood Sugar Benefits
Creamy, indulgent, and oh-so-delicious, cashew milk is a fantastic choice for those looking to keep their blood sugar levels in check while still enjoying a rich and satisfying non-dairy milk option. It may be our favorite for ice cream. It works great to thicken and add creaminess to soups, sauces, and pasta dishes and if you haven’t tried it in a chai latte yet, you are missing out.
Macadamia Magic: Heart Healthy and Anti-Inflammatory
Rich in monounsaturated fats, macadamia nut milk aids in hormonal balance essential for reproductive health, while its nutrient density, including vitamins E, manganese, and magnesium. Its anti-inflammatory properties and heart-healthy profile contribute to creating an optimal environment for conception. Macadamia nut milk is a delicious choice for chia seed pudding!
While oat milk might seem like the obvious choice for ditching dairy, it's essential to consider its impact on your blood sugar levels, especially when fertility is on the line. Instead, explore the other non-dairy milk alternatives like almond, coconut, hemp, or cashew milk, which are more likely to support your blood sugar and your fertility goals. This journey can be overwhelming and you can feel like once you address one challenge, another pops up. Hopefully now you feel empowered to be able to recognize more which alternatives may present new challenges and which will truly help propel you forward.
Let’s connect and talk about how the Fab Fertile Program could help you and your partner achieve pregnancy success! Book your free 15 minute call here.