Almond is a very commonly occurring and widely consumed nut, which is well-known for boosting brain functioning and memory. But recently onwards, a new, healthy dietary item called almond drink has appeared as a promising consumable.
It is naturally dairy-free, making it ideal for vegans, as well as for people with a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance. Compared to regular cow milk and other plant-based beverages, almond milk is very low in calories.
In its most basic version, the almond drink is derived by grounding almonds with some added water. However, in most commercial almond drinks, thickeners, flavorings, and preservatives are generally added to enhance texture, flavor, and shelf life.
Shedding some light on its nutritional components, the almond drink is packed with protein, carbs, fat, fiber, potassium, calcium, vitamin D and vitamin E. Particularly speaking, the almond drink is an excellent and organic source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps safeguard the body from free-radical damage. Apart from this, some varieties are fortified with calcium and vitamin D- two key nutrients for good bone health.
BENEFITS
Even though it is a fairly simple concoction, almond drink promises multiple health benefits when made a regular part of our daily dietary regimes.
1. Rich in vitamin E
2. Low in natural sugar
3. It is dairy-free
Lactose intolerance may cause some people to experience excessive gas, diarrhea, bloating, and associated discomfort due to impartial digestion of lactose. Hence, almond drink makes for a great substitute.
4. Minimizes the risk of heart disease
The consumption of almonds or almond oil has also been shown to reduce the levels of both low-density lipoprotein, or “bad” cholesterol, and triglycerides. Furthermore, levels of high-density lipoprotein, or “good” cholesterol, were favourably boosted to enhance proper cardiac functioning.
Even though approximately half of the calories in almond drink come from fat, it is generally a low-fat product and probably doesn’t have a significant impact on your blood lipid profile.
5. Has anti-inflammatory properties
HOW TO INCLUDE IT IN YOUR DAILY DIET?
Almond drink is amazingly versatile, and can be used in almost all ways that regular cow milk is used, including-
- With your daily breakfast cereal or with oats.
- In your coffee or tea.
- In sauces, soups, and salad dressings.
- In making a dairy-free rice pudding or even ice cream.
- In smoothies.
- As a milk substitute in several baked food items.
Thus, as you can see, switching to almond drink in your daily dietary habits can provide a variety of health benefits to you. Abundantly available and even easy to make, it is an everyday necessity to live a healthier and more organic life.