7 benefits of chestnut milk to include the drink in your menu

Chestnut milk, prepared with water and cashew nuts, is successful with the vegan public and is widely used as a substitute for animal milk. As it does not contain lactose and casein, the drink can be consumed by people intolerant or allergic to these substances. See below for more information given by nutritionist Pollyana Guimarães (CRN 11529), from Grupo Pardini.

7 benefits of chestnut milk

Pollyana comments that the drink can be consumed in several ways: “for breakfast with granola, in the preparation of pancakes, cakes, smoothies, shakes and can also be consumed with coffee”. According to her, nut milk is low in carbohydrates, is rich in healthy fatty acids and “provides several other important nutrients for health, such as calcium, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus”. Check out more benefits below:

1. It acts in the prevention of diseases: the nutritionist explains that milk can prevent osteoporosis and anemia, “because it is rich in calcium and phosphorus, important minerals for maintaining bone density”. In addition, it is rich in iron and folic acid, “essential nutrients to prevent and treat anemia”.
2. It helps to reduce blood pressure and prevent heart disease: according to Pollyanna, the magnesium present in the chestnut “has anti-inflammatory properties that help with muscle fatigue, body aches and migraines”. On the other hand, good mono and polyunsaturated fats “act on the lipid profile, controlling the fractions of HDL cholesterol (good) and LDL cholesterol (bad)”.
3. It improves skin health and fights premature aging: this is due to its antioxidant properties and being rich in copper, which is “important in the production of skin protein”. The expert explains that “copper regulates the production of collagen and elastin, which improve skin elasticity”.
4. It helps control blood sugar: according to Pollyana, “it is a drink rich in good fats and controls satiety”. In addition, it regulates blood sugar absorption, preventing blood glucose spikes, and decreases insulin secretion. For this reason, it is an “excellent option for people with diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance”.
5. It is an excellent ally of memory: chestnut milk is rich in selenium. According to the nutritionist, this is “a nutrient that has antioxidant action, preventing damage to brain cells caused by free radicals”.
6. Improves the immune system: for Pollyana, this benefit is due to its “nutritional composition rich in various minerals and vitamins that are important in strengthening the immune system”. In addition, the drink is also antioxidant.
7. It can improve or prevent depression: according to the nutritionist, “studies show that zinc is an important mineral in the prevention of depression”, since the deficiency of this mineral can lead to depressive conditions.

Despite the benefits, Pollyana warns that “nut milk should be avoided by people allergic to oilseeds or nuts”. If that’s not your case, learn how to prepare the drink in the next topic!

How to make chestnut milk

Now that you know the benefits of chestnut milk, how about checking out how to make the drink at home? To prepare without errors, follow the step-by-step instructions given by the nutritionist:

• Soak 1 cup of cashews in water for 4 hours;
• After this time, discard the water and beat the chestnuts with 3 cups of filtered water until smooth. It is not necessary to strain, because this way the fiber content is maintained;
• Store the drink in a covered container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator;
• If the liquid separates, mix the milk when consuming.

See how easy it is? With two ingredients and a few steps, you can prepare a tasty and versatile plant-based milk – whether to drink straight or to use in the preparation of various recipes.

5 delicious recipes to use chestnut milk in everyday life

In addition to replacing animal milk in everyday consumption, chestnut milk can also be used in various preparations. Check out a selection of practical recipes that you can make with this vegetable drink below:

1. Chestnut milk jam

How about preparing a delicious and very creamy dulce de leche using only three ingredients? For this you will need nuts, sugar and water. Watch the step-by-step video to learn all the details!

2. Fermented milk with chestnut milk

Another easy and quick recipe to make with few ingredients. In addition to chestnut milk, the fermented drink also contains Rejuvelac, lactic acid and agave molasses. The preparation is very simple: just hit everything in the blender and let it freeze.

3. Chestnut milk with cocoa

This beat is super tasty and aromatic. Write down the ingredients you need: chestnut milk, demerara sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla essence, orange zest and ice cubes. Another very quick recipe and all made in the blender!

4. Vegan Brigadeiro with chestnut milk

The brigadeiro is a classic, and of course, a vegan version of this sweet could not be missing. To make it at home, the ingredients needed are chestnut milk, xylitol, cocoa and butter. Follow the preparation method in the video!

5. Chestnut milk mayonnaise

Here, you learn how to make a light, healthy and vegan mayonnaise. The recipe takes only nut milk, water, yellow mustard, lemon juice and salt. The result is a very creamy and consistent mayonnaise that can be used in the preparation of various dishes.

There’s no shortage of good reasons and versatile recipes to include chestnut milk in your diet, right? To change the menu and learn about other vegetable drinks, also check out the benefits of yam milk!

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.