Why Your Morning Chai Drains Your Energy

Millions of Indians Feel Low on Energy after Their Morning Chai: Lactose Intolerance Explained and How Oatey Can Help

From the revered morning kadak chai to the paneer consumed during the evening meal, India is a country rooted in dairy products that are an integral part of our life. However, if you are among those who suffer from feeling bloated, dull-headed or have mild indigestion during noon time, you probably assume you did not sleep well or that yesterday's lunch was too spicy.

You will be shocked to know that you have been blaming the wrong culprit.

The truth is far simpler, and it is backed by decades of clinical research: your body may be struggling to digest lactose.

In a country like India, it is indeed an astonishing biological paradox that a large number of people are unable to digest lactose, hence being lactose intolerant in India is much more common than we thought. However, you don’t have to give up the drinks that you love. There is a better alternative!

Here's the truth about lactose intolerance, dairy digestion, and plant-based milk in India, and why Oatey's oat and millet milk is becoming the quiet secret of health-conscious consumers.

Why Do Many Indians Feel Bloated After Drinking Milk?

We are raised to believe that cow's milk is the ultimate health food. However, the academic data paints a very different picture for the Indian demographic.

A landmark multicenter study (Lactose intolerance in North and South Indians - ScienceDirect) published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that lactose intolerance affects up to 66.6% of people in South India and 27.4% in North India.

More recent studies continue to identify lactose intolerance as one of the leading causes of digestive discomfort across the country. Research also shows how many consumers are hence, gradually adopting plant-based diets for health, environmental, and ethical reasons.

When your body lacks sufficient lactase, the enzyme responsible for digesting lactose, the sugar found in it ferments in your gut. The result?

Bloating

Acidity

Mild stomach discomfort

Feeling sluggish after drinking milk

If you've ever wondered, "Why does milk make me feel bloated?", lactose intolerance could be one explanation.

Why Plant-Based Milk Is Becoming a Popular Dairy Alternative

Studies (PDF) Plant-Based Milk Consumption in India: Motivators, Deterrents and Marketing Strategies in a Competitive Market also suggest that replacing high-volume dairy consumption, such as the milk in your morning tea, coffee, smoothies, or cereal, with plant-based alternatives may improve digestive comfort for many individuals. Consumers frequently report better digestion and fewer digestive issues after making the switch.

If you are going to replace dairy milk, it should be with an option that delivers both nutrition and taste. Oatey was created to bring together nutrition, taste, and sustainability in one everyday beverage. It isn't just another vegan milk, it's designed as a nutrient-rich plant-based milk alternative made for Indian lifestyles.

Here's what sets it apart:

The MCT Oil Advantage: Provides a quick source of energy and supports an active lifestyle.

Gut-Friendly & Lactose-Free: Ideal for people who struggle to digest lactose.

No Added Sugar: A simple choice for those looking to reduce added sugars.

From the Barista Oat for your coffee to the Kesar Badam Millet for traditional flavours, there is an option for every routine.

Beyond personal health, choosing oat and millet milk also supports sustainability. Compared to conventional dairy production, oat-based beverages generally require less land and water while also producing a significantly lower carbon footprint.

The 7-Day Challenge

Use Oatey for the next seven days in place of dairy milk as part of your routine, whether it is the Chocolate Oat milk in your post-exercise smoothie, the classic Kesar Badam Millet milk at night, or the Barista Oat milk in your morning cup of coffee or tea.

Sometimes, feeling better begins with something as small as switching out the milk in your cup.

FAQs

Can lactose intolerance develop later in life?

Yes, as people get older, they tend to make less lactase, and this makes lactose intolerance more apparent.

Which milk is better - oat or dairy?

It all depends on one's personal requirements. People who are lactose intolerant or simply want to adopt a dairy-free diet will find oat milk much more enjoyable.

Does lactose intolerance make you feel tired?

Digestion problems themselves might make one feel tired or sluggish, especially after having a meal. Nevertheless, constant fatigue has lots of reasons, and one needs to consult a doctor about it.

Is oat milk good for tea or coffee?

Yes, barista oat milk is especially made for such beverages.

References

1. Lactose Intolerance in North and South Indians
   American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
   https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0002916523429097

2. Plant-Based Milk Consumption in India: Motivators, Deterrents and Marketing Strategies in a Competitive Market
   Academia.edu
   https://www.academia.edu/83109734/Plant_Based_Milk_Consumption_in_India_Motivators_Deterrents_and_Marketing_Strategies_in_a_Competitive_Market

3. India Plant-Based Milk Market Size & Share Analysis
   Mordor Intelligence
   https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/india-plant-based-milk-market

4. India: In the World's Most Populous Country, Health is Putting Plants on the Plate
   Green Queen / Ipsos
   https://www.greenqueen.com.hk/india-plant-based-food-market-vegan-meat-dairy-milk-ipsos/

5. India Plant-Based Milk Market Size, Demand & Forecast 2034
   IMARC Group
   https://www.imarcgroup.com/india-plant-based-milk-market

6. India Plant-Based Dairy Products Market Growth Outlook
   MarkNtel Advisors
   https://www.marknteladvisors.com/research-library/india-plant-based-dairy-products-market.html

7. Insights on the Plant-Based Milk Category in India
   Good Food Institute India (GFI India)
   https://gfi.org.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Insights-on-the-plant-based-dairy-category-in-India.pdf