almondmilk

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Almond Milk: Benefits, Uses and How to Make It At Home:
The choice to eliminate cow’s milk, from one’s diet, is a personal one – but finding an alternative can be a little tougher; so we’ve put down some of the benefits of almond milk, to make that choice a little easier. Milk allergies, or lactose intolerance is not an uncommon problem – complaints cover digestive issues (bloating, gas, even diarrhea) to skin concerns. Some people react to the enzymes or hormones in cow’s milk. Others react to milk that contains too many added ‘nutrients’ or, has been adulterated by ingredients that perhaps should not be entering the human body. Whatever the reason for giving up cow’s milk, one should be sure to maintain other sources of calcium in one’s diet. If the entire gamut of dairy is being eliminated, then include more nuts and seeds and green vegetables in your diet to make sure you aren’t hurting your bone health.

The choice these days spans everything from goat’s milk to soy milk to coconut milk to cashew milk to almond milk. If you’re outside India, lactose-free milk, hemp, and oat milk can also be found on grocery store shelves.
Fewer Calories: If you’re not buying the pre-packaged brands off the shelf, which have been fortified by additional ingredients, then fresh almond milk is one of the best milks in terms of keeping the caloric content at a low.

Calcium and Vitamin D: Although not as much as in dairy milk, almond milk is still a decent source of calcium, and works together with Vitamin D to make sure you’re getting the best benefits for your bones.

Vitamin E: Want younger looking skin? Who doesn’t? Almond milk is a fantastic source of vitamin E, which contributes to better skin elasticity as well as protects the skin from the harmful elements of sun exposure.

Low Carbohydrates: those with blood sugar concerns don’t have to be too worried with good quality almond milk (make sure it does not contain added white sugars), as the carb content is just enough for the body to convert it into the good kind of sugars that we all require for energy.

Fiber: almonds are a source of fiber, so it helps keep the digestive system happy and healthy.

Protein: although not as high in the protein stakes as cow’s milk, almond milk still has enough of a kick to make sure the body gets some traces of protein – but be sure to supplement this with other sources of clean dietary protein such as beans and lentils, and if a meat-eater, lean chicken breasts.


Almond milk is also a source of trace amounts of potassium, magnesium, copper and selenium, all of which contribute to better bone and body health, fewer headaches, and maintenance for healthy cells, nervous system, and gives it a bit of a youthful look. There’s a touch of copper that helps keep the blood pressure well regulated.

Using Almond Milk

It’s just as good in cereal, doesn’t absolutely need to be stored in the fridge (it does taste better if you do), and works decently well in coffee and tea. But if you like adding traditional cow’s milk to dishes such as scrambled eggs, don’t count on this as the best substitute.

Almond milk is however fantastic in healthy smoothies and great as a frozen dessert for kids and adults alike. You can substitute it for cow’s milk in all Indian desserts, and it works well for the bakers as well. It’s also the kind of drink you can imbue at any time of day, without wanting to go take a nap afterwards!
Make Your Own Almond Milk

Since it’s a fresh product, make sure you consume it fresh and don’t keep beyond 2-3 days.

Makes about 2 cups of almond milk:

• 1 cup almonds
• 2.5 cups water
• A pinch of cinnamon
• A drizzle of honey or other sweeteners

Method:

1. Soak the almonds overnight; the next day the skin should be easy to peel off.

2. Now put the peeled almonds into a blender and add the water.

3. Once the mixture has been ground to something of a pulpy paste, sieve it into a container through a muslin cloth.

4. The liquid that has sieved is your consumable almond milk. You can add your optional honey or cinnamon here to sweeten it. Store in a sealed container.
The remaining mass of almond paste in the cloth is your almond meal. This can be used as it is, added to smoothies or cereals for an extra nutritional boost. You can also spread it onto a baking tray and bake until browned, using the meal as a baking ingredient to make healthy muffins or bread. The baked almond meal will last 2-3 months if you store it in the fridge.
Disclaimer:

The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. onlinecos.blogspot.com is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of onlinecos.blogspot.com a does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

dry fruits

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Do Excess Dry Fruits and Nuts Heat Up your Body?

Highlights:

• Nuts and dry fruits are possibly the oldest and traditional superfoods
• However, too much of them can result in excessive body heat
• Dry fruits are dense in nutrients

nuts and dry fruits are possibly the oldest and traditional superfoods which our mothers and grandmothers have diligently offered us for our good health. Packed with good fat, proteins, magnesium, iron, vitamin B and fiber, these nutritional powerhouses are a must in every diet, recommended by all experts . Yet you must have heard to take almonds, cashews, dates, pistachios and walnuts with caution, else too much of them can result in excessive body heat, giving rise to nasty pimples and rashes. How true is the claim or is it a myth? Let's find out.According to a common belief, overeating dry fruits can prove to be a risky affair for those with sensitive skin. It is believed that nuts are highly rich in proteins, which activates the oil glands, especially on the face. More secretion of oil means means more clogged pores, hence more pimples. Dates also have the reputation of increasing body heat.

According to Ayurveda, our body has three types of doshas - Vatta, Pitta and Kapha. For a healthy body, these three doshas need to be balanced. People who are of Pitta type, their body temperature may run slightly high and their hands and feet tend to be warm. Pitta people do not tolerate sunlight well.

According to Dr. Vasant Lad in the book The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies, "almonds with skin and black walnuts" tend to aggravate the Pitta dosha.Macrobiotic Nutritionist and Health Practitioner Shilpa Arora says, "Dry fruits are dense in nutrients. Dry fruits provide us with abundance of vitamins and minerals. Dates, nuts and oilseeds are heat producing foods hence they should be either soaked overnight or eaten in moderation. Your body absorbs nutrients much more effectively when portion are controlled."

Bangalore-based nutritionist Dr. Anju Sood dismisses the idea, "Nutritionally the myth doesn't stand true. Food's temperature decides whether it raises your body heat or drops it. There is, however, a common belief in Ayurveda that nuts increase body temperature. I believe that in moderate quantities nothing can harm. They are high in proteins and good fat. It is advisable to eat about five soaked almonds a day or four to five cashews a day."



There is no reason why you should lose out on the essential vitamins and minerals of these nuts and dry fruits, however, make sure you don't go overboard with these crunchy treats.