For lactose intolerant, there is a wide range of vegetable drinks that can replace the consumption of milk. Why are they recommended? What are its benefits? Here we detail it.
Vegetable drinks are products that have become fashionable in recent years. They are profiled as a substitute for milk, as they are a good option for those who are lactose intolerant. However, it is necessary to take into account certain issues related to its labeling to choose one of good nutritional quality.
What are its possible benefits? In what situations is its consumption recommended? Regarding these foods there are these and many other doubts. To make it clear, below we tell you more about its properties and uses.

Vegetable drinks, a substitute for milk

The milk is a food that contains a high nutritional density. However, it is not a good option for those individuals who have developed lactose intolerance. There are varieties of this drink devoid of the sugar that causes discomfort, but its organoleptic qualities are not the same. This can condition their consumption.
In parallel, vegetable drinks are an alternative due to their contribution of nutrients. Its protein and fat content is lower, but as long as they do not have added sugars, they are a suitable substitute for low-calorie diets.
Sometimes they are enriched with essential nutrients, such as B vitamins. These are important in energy metabolism, according to a study published in the journal  Sub-cellular Biochemistry . Introducing them into the diet, in the necessary amounts, reduces the risk of damage to cells and DNA.
Vegetable milks can be an option to replace cow's milk in people with lactose intolerance.

Vegetable drinks are more digestive

One of the characteristics of vegetable drinks is their easy digestion. Being a very low fat and protein product, it presents a rapid gastric emptying and does not usually cause discomfort.
Thus, it can be an option to add to coffee or smoothies in those who suffer from stomach or intestinal pain. Vegetable drinks pair well with fruits, so they are also suitable for making smoothies .
However, if you usually suffer from problems related to intestinal transit or the digestion process, it may be advisable to go to the specialist. These disorders are sometimes linked to intestinal dysbiosis, which could be corrected by supplementation with probiotics, according to a study published in the  Journal of Biomedical Science.

Contain protein

These are not proteins of high biological value, the proportion in which they are found is less than in milk, but vegetable drinks also have this type of nutrients.
For vegan diets they are a good option, since they contribute to completing the protein intake. However, it should be noted that they are not proteins of high biological value, they have deficiencies in terms of essential amino acids and their digestibility is improvable.
Consequently, they must not be a single source of protein, but must be combined with other plant products that contain this macronutrient. To ensure an optimal supply, it is best to follow the nutritionist's instructions.

Beware of drinks containing sugar

When buying vegetable drinks, it is necessary to pay attention to the labeling of the product. There are some varieties that contain added sugars. This ingredient improves its flavor, but noticeably reduces its nutritional quality.
As research published in the journal Advances in Nutrition puts it , consuming too much simple sugars increases your risk of developing metabolic diseases. Therefore, the addition of carbohydrates to vegetable drinks can condition health and increase the incidence of diabetes. 
It is essential to carefully read the labeling of these products and choose those varieties that are free of added sugars. In addition, it is recommended to consume those that contain a higher proportion of vegetables in their composition, such as rice or oats.
Oat or rice milk stands out for its pleasant taste. Plus, it's free of added sugars and can substitute for milk in many recipes.

Vegetable drinks can be included in the regular diet

It is not recommended to substitute milk for vegetable drinks if there is no previous pathological situation, such as a lactose intolerance or an allergy to cow's milk proteins. However, it can be a food to use in the daily diet.
When the goal is to provide a flavored liquid base to make a smoothie or smoothie , vegetable drinks tend to be a more digestive option than dairy products. In any case, remember to choose the varieties without added sugars; otherwise, you will be acquiring a product of low nutritional value .
Finally, keep in mind that some of these vegetable drinks are enriched with vitamins or minerals , which can be an option when it comes to avoiding deficiencies.

Vegetable drinks: properties and benefits