Health Benefits Of Horchata Protein You Need To Know

Nowadays, everyone is becoming health conscious, and people are looking for food sources full of nutrition and health benefits. Besides, people are more concerned about the impact of food production techniques on the environment.

As a result, plant-based proteins have become very popular in recent years. In the past, most individuals used animal-based protein, but since the rearing of animals is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, the use of alternate proteins has increased.

You may be thinking, is this refreshing rice milk drink a healthy choice? Here in this article, we will explain what horchata is and how it benefits your health.

What Is Horchata?

Horchata is a refreshing and delicious rice-based drink called Mexican Horchata. It is prepared from soaked rice, vanilla beans, cinnamon sticks, and plant-based or dairy milk. It originated from Spain and the original Spanish horchata and was prepared from tiger nuts.

Some other types of horchata drinks also include almonds, other nuts, seeds, and grains. It is typically served in a glass with ice and is sweet and creamy in taste

This drink has been around for a long time. The Mexican horchata became popular in the 16th century, but it is thought to have originated in ancient Rome.

At that time, it was made from barley. In fact, “horchata” is a Spanish word that is used for barley.

Although it is a cool and refreshing drink, it is also served hot when seasons change and temperature drops.

Is Horchata A Healthy Drink?

Horchata is a dairy-free beverage that is low in calories and high in nutrients. You may not find any drink more nutritious than horchata.

Rice consists of vitamin C, Vitamin E, calcium, sodium, phosphorus, and protein. It sometimes includes nuts which makes it more nutritious.

This drink is highly energizing, which is why many people use it after work and in the morning. It helps you to replenish your body and boost your energy level. Everyone can drink it as it is free of lactose, gluten, and casein.

What Are the Health Benefits Of Horchata?

Drinking horchata can bring many benefits to your health. First, it reduces cholesterol and helps you with weight loss, preventing osteoporosis and hot flashes during menopause.

In addition, it helps in improving vision and provides many other benefits. Now let’s look at the health benefits of horchata in detail.

Horchata Is Rich in Fiber Source :

Horchata consists of a rich amount of fiber, which is good for your digestive system. Fiber helps your body to absorb nutrients and digest food efficiently. As a result, you do not need to face issues like constipation and hemorrhoids.

Since it contains a large amount of fiber, it controls your blood sugar level and keeps you feeling full.

One serving of horchata contains 8.1 grams of fiber, which is almost 33 percent of the recommended daily intake for women and 18 percent for men.

Substitute For Lactose Intolerance:

Lactose intolerance is a digestive problem in which a person can not digest lactose. It is estimated that this digestive problem has affected 65 million Americans and more than 75% of the population all across the globe.

This problem is caused by a deficiency of an enzyme called lactase, which helps the human body in the digestion of sugar present in milk and other dairy products.

Horchata can be a great alternative for lactose-intolerant individuals because it is naturally low in lactose.

Although most of the horchata recipes are made from dairy products, the original horchata was made with tiger nuts.

Horchata Provides Antioxidants :

Horchata contains bioactive antioxidant compounds that are beneficial for human health.

Antioxidants provide protection to your cells against radical damage, and antioxidant-rich diets also have anti-inflammatory effects. It reduces inflammation and the risk of chronic diseases like cancer.

Prevents cardiovascular Diseases:

Drinking horchata can also help in fighting cardiovascular diseases. Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States.

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, the horchata protein shake has the power to balance and calm our body organs.

Moreover, horchata is high in potassium, which is a great element in reducing blood pressure.

When your blood pressure is in control, there will be no stress on your heart, and it will be easy for your heart to pump blood throughout your body.

Horchata Is Rich In Arginine:

Horchata is a tasty drink usually made with rice, almond, cinnamon, and sugar. It also contains a high amount of arginine, which is an amino acid. It is a non-essential amino acid that is found in nuts, legumes, and seeds.

Above all, arginine is an amino acid that stimulates the release of human growth hormone, which helps in slowing down the process of aging.

Horchata Is Good For Diabetic Patients :

Diabetes is a common disease that develops if the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that controls blood sugar to enter cells and provide energy.

If the pancreas does not produce the required amount of insulin, it results in a disease called diabetes.

Now you may be wondering how horchata can help diabetic patients. A study published in diabetes describes that drinking cinnamon-flavored horchata can help in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

In addition, it slows down the glucose absorption rate in your bloodstream, which means the sugar level in your blood remains stable. You can also get horchata protein powder to make horchata shake whenever you want.

A Rich Source Of Minerals :

Horchata is a drink made from rice, almonds, and cinnamon. All these ingredients are rich in minerals, so horchata is a rich source of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc.

The most notable mineral found in the horchata protein shake is calcium, which is why it is great for your bones. Furthermore, phosphorus and magnesium help your body in energy production.

Studies show that one glass of horchata contains more calcium than a glass of milk. Because it has non-dairy sources of calcium, it can be great for vegans. All the minerals present in horchata can help you give strong hair, glowing skin, and strong nails.

Does Horchata Help In Weight Loss?

Although the horchata protein drink is very healthy, it may not be exactly what you need for weight loss.

In fact, the answer to the question is that horchata helps in weight loss depending on the other meals you eat in a day. If you eat low-calorie meals with horchata, it can help you in weight loss.

Since horchata is highly satiating, you can substitute it with a meal, and it can keep you full for a long time. This way, you can eat less each day and reduce your weight.

From this fact, we can say that if you are not following any food regimen, you can take advantage of horchata drinks, even if you are on a weight loss journey.

You must remember that you have to pace yourself with these drinks and not overdrink them. Include it in your diet but do not drink more than one glass per day.

Side Effects Of Horchata :

Along with the benefits, horchata also has some side effects that you should keep in mind before incorporating it into your diet. One significant side effect is diarrhea and vomiting, so you must drink it with caution if you have a weak stomach.

Moreover, some people are sensitive to dairy products and milk; they may suffer allergic reactions if the horchata contains dairy milk. However, these side effects are mild and fade away within a few days.

Conclusion:

You may not find a drink as healthy as horchata. For centuries it has been famous for having several health benefits. It is full of vitamins C and E and many minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and magnesium.

Moreover, it is rich in fiber, giving you a fuller feeling for a long time. This way, you can skip meals and lose weight. Horchata helps to boost energy levels. That is why people drink a horchata protein shake after a workout.

Incorporating horchata into your diet can be helpful, but you should never drink more than one glass of this drink daily.