Snack
on almonds; enjoy umpteen health benefits

Almonds,
among the oldest and most widely grown crops, should be made part of the daily
diet. The tiny delights come packed with rich nutrients and have lots of health
benefits – from boosting cardiovascular health to reducing facial wrinkles,
nourishing skin and aiding weight loss. Dr
Jignesh K Kevalia explains different
ways of consuming almonds to maximize the benefits:-

Raw Almonds or Soaked Almonds?

Choosing
between soaked almonds and raw almonds isn’t just a matter of taste, it’s about
picking the healthier option. Soaked almonds are better, as the brown outer
covering contains tannin which inhibits nutrient absorption and aggravates acid
in blood. Once you soak almonds it can be peeled off smoothly and this allows
the nut to release all nutrients easily.

Soak
enough quantity of almonds in water for at least eight hours. Then drain the
water, peel off the skin and store them in a container. These soaked almonds
will last you for about a week and can be consumed as per requirement.

Raw vs Roasted

Almonds
are available in a variety of preparations and it is tough to choose the healthier
option. Raw, unsalted almonds are a safe bet, but some people prefer the
roasted taste. Both raw and roasted almonds have a high dose of nutrients and
minerals. Raw almonds have more naturally occurring beneficial fats while
roasted almonds lose some of these beneficial fats while roasting.

Ways to Consume: Almonds may be consumed
as such or along with dates and raisins to subsidize its hot nature. Because of
its hot properties it is advised to consume only a handful of almonds a day, preferably
in the morning or evening. It should not be taken as such in empty stomach, but
mixed with other foods such as milk, grains or vegetables, to avoid Pitta imbalance. Since they are so
versatile, you can add them to most of your dishes. You can sprinkle and add
chopped almonds on puddings and also to muffins and breads.

You
can even mix them with grains and cook together. Add toasted almonds to your
salads, or blend them with the salad dressing. Toasting enhances the flavor of nuts
and helps their digestibility. Make an almond milk shake or a fruit smoothie
for a satisfying drink. Mixed with walnuts, sunflower seeds, dates and raisins,
they provide a delicious and nutritious snack. Spread organic almond butter on
your bread for breakfast. Since they go with everything, there is no excuse for
not including them in your diet.

Almonds
have been suggested to reduce heart disease risk as their regular consumption
lowers ‘bad’ cholesterol (LDL) and improves robustness of arteries. They
lubricate the skin and the micro-circulatory channels and support all the seven dhatus (tissues), especially Shukra dhatu (reproductive tissue). People
with Kapha imbalance should eat them
in small quantities. Due to their heavy quality, you need a strong agni, or digestive fire, to metabolize
them. If your agni is low, strengthen
it first before taking almonds. The only people who should avoid consuming
almonds are those with high Pitta in
the blood.

You
can add almonds to almost every meal and cuisine. Almonds are used in Mughlai cuisine and to prepare sweet
dishes. Almonds have a nutty yet pleasantly sweet taste. They can be enjoyed in
both salted and unsalted forms. Roasting almonds before serving them brings out
their crunchy taste and their healthy oil.

The
sweetened almond drink is a popular Indian beverage made using almond milk.
Blend almond milk, fruits, and frozen yogurt to make a delicious smoothie. Blanched
almond works well as an attractive garnish on cakes, cookies and other sweets.
Almond paste is used in the preparation of soups or vinaigrette.

Slivered
blanched almonds are sprinkled over desserts, particularly sweet dish and ice
cream. Diced almonds work best for stuffing and coatings. Almond is also used
to prepare the delicious almond butter.

There
are other forms of almonds one can have as per their tastes like Almond
Cookies, Almond Biscuits, Almond Flour, Almond Syrup, Almond Milk, Almond Oil.

Things
to Know:

n  California is the world’s
largest producer of almonds.

n  473ml of almond oil is
obtained from 453kg of almonds.

n  40% of the almonds
produced are utilized in the chocolate industry.

n  Drug Interaction: Almonds
are high in manganese. If you eat far too many almonds, especially if you
already have a rich manganese diet, this may possibly induce drug interactions.
Excessive amounts of manganese in your blood can get in the way with some
anti psychotic drugs, and also antacids, laxatives, blood pressure medications
and certain antibiotics.

n  Overdose of Vitamin E: Around
7 mg vitamin E is present in 1 ounce of nuts, approximate one-half the quantity
you require on a daily basis. Too much amount along with other Vitamin E
supplements may lead to stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, headache,
tiredness or blurred vision.

In
a nutshell Almonds are aphrodisiac, brain-tonic, high fiber laxative, promotes-
virility, build-semen, muscle tonic, skin tone enhancer, bone strengthener,
nutritive, tonic.

Just
a handful of nutrient-rich almonds a day helps promote heart health, prevents
weight gain, and it may even help fight diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer’s.
They are also effective in lowering blood sugar levels, reduces blood pressure
and lower cholesterol levels. They can also reduce hunger and promote weight
loss.