Full of carbohydrates, lactose free, vegan milk, less cholesterol, fat free and treats diarrhoea are some of the amazing health benefits of rice milk in your child’s diet.
Read More : Health Benefits of Rice for Babies
What is rice milk?
Rice milk is grain milk, made from rice. Rice milk is made by pressing the rice through a mill using diffusion to strain out the pressed grains. It is sometimes also made at home using rice flour and brown rice protein, or by boiling brown rice with a large volume of water, blending and straining the mixture, It is mostly made from brown rice and unsweetened in nature. The sweetness in most rice milk varieties is generated by a natural enzymatic process that cleaves the carbohydrates into sugars, especially glucose.
In comparison with cow’s milk, rice milk contain more carbohydrate unlike cow milk which is rich in calcium and protein. Some branded rice milk contains vitamins and minerals, including calcium, vitamin B12, vitamin B3, and iron it depend on the brands which were selling the product.
Rice milk is considered as one of the alternatives of cow’s milk like soy milk, almond beverage, goat milk, coconut beverages and Hemp beverage. Branded rice milks are available in vanilla, chocolate, and almond flavors, as well as the original unflavored form.
Read More : 7 Substitutes for Evaporated Milk in Your Kitchen
Is rice milk suitable for babies?
Rice milk is considered as one of the alternative source of milk. Mostly grown ups include it in their diet. Sometimes parent includes rice milk in their child’s diet too. According to consumer report scientist recommendation, children below the age of 5 years should not have rice drink every day.
Top 6 Health Benefits of Rice Milk in Your Child’s Diet
Rice milk has some amazing benefits. Before you include this in your child’s diet you need to check the benefits of rice milk. So before jumping on the bridge check these amazing facts: –
Full of carbohydrates
The level of carbohydrates is more in rice milk making it an amazing source of carbohydrates.
Lactose free
If you suspect your child might be lactose intolerant or allergic to soy or dairy foods, then rice milk is a best option. It is lactose free and works best for those who are allergic to dairy or soy foods.
Vegan milk
If you as a family follow a vegan diet, than rice milk can be a great addition to your list.
Less cholesterol
Rice milk does not contain any cholesterol, but it is naturally higher in carbohydrates. Cholesterol free is one of the best qualities of rice milk. But remember to include other source of protein and calcium in your child’s diet. However, if you are consuming the commercially available rice milk, you needn’t worry, as it is fortified with vitamins and minerals, including calcium, vitamin B12, vitamin B3 and iron.
Fat free
Rice milk has no saturated fat, no translucent fat; moreover it does not contain any type of fat, so if you want to reduce fat in your child’s diet then you can surely add rice milk. But always remember rice milk is whole fat free, (not low fat or non-fat). And fat is important for brain development in children under 2 years. So please don’t switch to low fat milk before your child is 2 without your pediatrician’s advice!
Treats Diarrhoea
Children often suffer from diarrhoea, and in that situation dairy products cannot be included in their diet. Rice milk is far better option in such cases. It can be easily digested and helps to calm the stomach of babies.
Nutritional Facts of Rice Milk
| Nutritional value(in 100gm rice) | Amount in % |
| Calories | 47 |
| Fat | 1 |
| Cholesterol | 0 |
| Sodium | 1 |
| Potassium | 0 |
| Total Carbohydrate | 3 |
| Protein | 0 |
How do you make Rice Milk?
- First blend the rice and water in a blender until it gets a smooth texture.
- Next you have to strain the blended mixture using butter muslin cloth or a nut milk bag. Generally a tight – weave cloth is most preferable in this case.When you are twisting the cloth on the top or upper side tightly it allows more milk to drain through.
- Refrigerate up to 3 to 4 days.
- Rice milk is easily available in the supermarket but in case you want to use homemade rice milk you can use this process.
- Generally brown rice is used to make the rice milk.
Word of caution
- Though these alternative milks do not have the right amount of nutrients needed to sustain healthy growth.
- These milks should not be offered to a baby less than 12 months of age and you should consult your pediatrician about introducing them. You should never switch your infant from a soy based formula to plain soy milk.
- Rice milk is very low in protein and fat and it should not replace cow’s milk, soy milk or most importantly breast milk. Please pay attention to your pediatrician’s advice. Nothing can replace the nutritional value of breast milk. Toddlers can have rice milk occasionally.
- While the commercially available rice milk includes the much needed vitamins, and it is usually good for children who are intolerant to lactose based food mainly dairy product. But don’t be a self-made nutritionist or doctor; always consult your doctor.. Happy living!!
