The Hormone-Balancing Milk I Make Instead Of Almond Or Soy

Do you remember those dark days when coffee shops would give you major side-eye when you asked for almond milk? For years, soy milk was the standard dairy-free milk substitute for vegans and individuals with dietary restrictions. Now, just a few years later, almond milk is everywhere and is being enjoyed by not just vegans and the lactose intolerant but by everyone…even your former side-eyeing barista.

While flax milk lacks the flashy packaging or variety of options almond milk has, this modest plant-based milk has incredible health benefits. To start, flax is one of the richest sources of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids in the world1, one of the best nutrients to consume for balanced hormones.

Flax also has the ability to prevent and treat heart disease2 and support the immune system.

Beyond its health benefits, flax milk boasts a few attributes that make it an especially good pick for the wellness-minded consumer. It's free from top allergens such as nuts, lactose, soy, and gluten. However, the most powerful benefit of switching to flax milk is the impact on the environment.

According to a New York Times article in 2017, it takes approximately 15.3 gallons of water to produce 16 almonds. Yes, you read that correctly...16 almonds! While it is arguably far worse for the environment to produce cow's milk, maybe flaxseed can become the new welcomed alternative. What's more, almonds are mostly farmed in California (a drought-prone state, which is problematic due to the high amount of water needed to produce them), and flaxseed is currently cultivated in more than 50 countries3 (predominantly in the northern hemisphere and Canada, the world's largest producer).

Makes 2 cups