Ms Jyoti Chabria, Registered Consulting Dietician said, “Indians have been consuming almonds for generations but lack knowledge about the multiple health benefits of the nut. Thus our consumption is generally very sporadic. We encourage our clientele to snack on almonds regularly when they feel hungry between meals, or start their mornings with almonds, as just one ounce of almonds contains 6 grams of protein and is 100% cholesterol free. This is all in a mere 160 calories, which gives you a ‘full’ and satiated feeling and helps keeps you away from snacking on unhealthy options. Almonds are also high in nutrients like vitamin E, protein, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, niacin and riboflavin and have pre-biotic and anti-oxidation qualities apart from being heart-healthy; one serving contains 13 grams of good or unsaturated fats and just 1 gram of saturated fat.”
“The most popular myth around almonds is that they generate heat due to which they should only be consumed during winters. However, there are no studies indicating any ‘heat generating’ effect of almonds. They are beneficial if they are consumed regularly throughout the year”, added Ms. Chabria.
Chef Sajesh Nair, Executive Chef Taj Deccan, Hyderabad who whipped up two delectable almond-based recipes in a matter of moments, added, “I am extremely thrilled to be part of this occasion as I simply love cooking with almonds. They can be had whole or sliced, diced, blanched, flavoured, added to deserts, gravies, salads and drinks. The flavours this nut can bring out in any dish are unmatchable. I have often felt that the versatility of almonds is still not explored completely and this afternoon has given me a perfect opportunity to showcase some easy almond based recipes that can be enjoyed by all.”
According to a health claim by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2003, scientific evidence suggests, but does not prove, that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, such as almonds, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.
A handful of almonds a day are also easy to include in one’s diet and can be a perfect snacking option to make your evenings exciting. So go ahead and give your family the goodness of almonds everyday!
About the Almond Board of California: Consumers all over the world enjoy California Almonds as a natural, wholesome and quality food product, making almonds California’s leading agricultural export in terms of value. The Almond Board of California promotes almonds through its research-based approach to all aspects of marketing, farming and production on behalf of the more than 6,000 California Almond growers and processors, many of whom are multi-generational family operations. Established in 1950 and based in Modesto, California, the Almond Board of California is a non-profit organization that administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture. For more information on the Almond Board of California or almonds, visit www.AlmondBoard.com.