Almond milk: benefits and harms

Almond milk is an herbal product that has become a great alternative to cow. It has a whole range of components useful for the human body, saturated with minerals and vitamins. Besides cooking it yourself is not at all difficult. Although in supermarkets it is sold ready to eat. But a home product, thanks to spices, can acquire a taste variety that satisfies any consumer.

Which milk is healthier: almond or cow

1. Unlike animal products, almond milk does not contain lactose. Lactose is a very strong allergen; in many people it causes undesirable reactions. With almond milk there will be no such reactions.
2. Cow's milk is a product made by an animal, therefore its quality depends on the health of the cow itself. It may contain pathogenic components: E. coli, Salmonella. Cow's milk also contains cholesterol, but almond is free of it.
3. Animal milk contains casein protein, it is easily absorbed by the children's stomach, but in adulthood, with its assimilation, there are such unpleasant problems as bloating, heaviness, heartburn. Vegetable milk does not contain this protein, so its use will not cause discomfort from the digestive tract.
4. Almond milk, unlike cow's milk, is not picky about storage conditions. Without the low temperatures of the refrigerator, it retains its freshness for much longer. At the same time, the taste of almond milk is very similar to that of animals; it can be used in cooking in the same way as cow.

Composition and calorie content

At the heart of an almond drink there are only two main components: water and almonds. To prepare milk, almonds are used raw, without heat treatment, so it retains all the nutrients. The composition of the drink per 100 g.

Energy value:

• Proteins - 18.6 g
• Fats - 53.7 g
• Carbohydrates - 13 g
• Fiber - 2.5 g
• Calories - 51

Vitamins:

• A - 0.02 mg
• B1 - 0.25 mg
• B2 - 0.65 mg
• B3 - 6.2 mg
• B4 - 52.1 mg
• B5 - 0.4 mg
• B6 - 0.3 mg
• B9 - 0.04 mg
• C - 1.5 mg
• D - 100 mg
• E - 24.6 mg

Trace elements:

• Potassium - 748 mg
• Phosphorus - 473 mg
• Calcium - 273 mg
• Magnesium - 234 mg
• Sulfur - 178 mg
• Sodium - 10 mg

Macronutrients:

• Iron - 3.7 mg
• Iodine - 2 mcg
• Manganese - 1.9 mg
• Copper - 140 mcg
• Fluoride - 90 mcg
• Zinc - 2.1 mcg

Almond milk from the representatives of all plant drinks has the richest composition. A glass of such a product can provide energy for a long time and provide the body with vitamins.

What is almond milk good for?

General benefit

Almond milk has been known to the world since the Middle Ages. It was used throughout Europe due to its longer storage. At a time when refrigerators, pasteurization and sterilization were still unknown to the world, cow's milk was either immediately consumed or processed for cheese and butter. But almond milk has been stored for longer, besides this plant product is allowed to be consumed during fasting.

The plant product has already very firmly won its place in the market. Every day, the number of supporters of a healthy diet, vegans and vegetarians is growing in the world. However, even 15 years ago, soy milk was almost the only alternative to milk of animal origin.

Almond drink appeared on the US markets thanks to the Blue Diamond Growers company in 2008. First, large contracts were concluded with shops in places inhabited by Hispanics, since they most often have lactose intolerance. Along with the release of milk on the market, almond producers are actively beginning to sponsor research on the beneficial qualities of the product.

They have proven the beneficial properties of the product. Thanks to calcium, milk strengthens bones, vitamins and macronutrients regulate muscle strength, and protein helps the body restore strength faster. Vitamin D, which enriches almond milk during the production process, in combination with phosphorus, regulates blood pressure, and the absence of cholesterol in the drink makes it a healthy product for the heart.

A limited amount of phosphorus and potassium in milk will benefit people with kidney disease, and a lack of sugar and a wealth of vitamins will strengthen the immune system.

It is worth considering the benefits of this product for representatives of different sexes and ages.

For women

Most women are constantly worried about the problem of extra pounds. Almond milk is a dietary product. Its calorie content is very low, the lack of sugar in the prepared drink will help to reduce weight and not gain it again in the future. This, of course, does not mean that, using only almond milk, you can achieve ideal performance on the scales. In the rest of the diet, one will have to come to certain restrictions and apply physical activity. But almond milk at the same time enriches the body energetically, provides it with a full complex of vitamins and minerals, an ideal balance of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9, while not loading it with extra calories and cholesterol.

Also, a rare female does not care about the beauty of her nails, hair and skin. Almond milk is rich in vitamin E, in combination with the same fatty acids, it will give the skin a healthy glow. Hair and nails with regular use of the drink will become strong and healthy. Almond milk has also been proven to strengthen bones and teeth.

For men

In addition to the fact that the amino acids contained in almonds help maintain good physical shape, make muscles and tissues elastic, for men, the almond product is simply magical thanks to some of its properties. Almond seed contains such a component as arginine. This amino acid in adulthood is produced by the body on its own, but sometimes in insufficient quantities. Its purpose is the synthesis of nitric oxide enzymes. And nitric oxide, in turn, is a hormone that acts locally. It affects the vessels, including those that are located in the cavernous bodies of the male genital organ and are responsible for its blood supply and increase, that is, for an erection.

Also for men, zinc and selenium, which provide the synthesis of testosterone, are indispensable for men. It allows the male body to produce high-quality sperm and reduces the risk of prostatitis, and the beneficial macronutrients contained in almonds contribute to the production of this hormone.

Also contained in almonds, vitamin E or tocopherol has a direct effect on the male body during intercourse, preventing the oxidation of oxygen until it enters the cells of the genital organs. Therefore, almond nuts have long been recognized as an aphrodisiac.

In addition, almond nuts help to increase mental activity, improve hair growth and quality, thereby preventing baldness, and also help to eliminate hangover symptoms.

During pregnancy

In almonds and in a drink based on it contains folic acid. Vitamin B9 (folic acid) has a direct effect on the formation of the nervous, circulatory and immune systems of the fetus. Its use is shown to all women in a position, both in combination with other vitamins, and as an independent element.B9 reduces the risk of congenital abnormalities in a child, therefore, even when planning a pregnancy, it is indicated for both the expectant mother and the future father.

Almond milk is good because this vitamin is natural in it. In addition, a wide range of B vitamins will help a pregnant woman cope with stress, and E will protect the body from stretch marks.

When breastfeeding

When breastfeeding, it is better to refuse almond milk. Breast age is just that indicator where almond milk is not only not useful, but also can cause harm.

In Spain, doctors examined a child who, from the age of two months, was fed a mixture based on an almond drink. Unfortunately, in this case, no positive reactions were detected. Conversely, a small amount of vitamin C in almond milk led to the development of scurvy at 11 months of age. In addition, the child lost the ability to move on his own, and again the doctors came to the conclusion that this condition was caused by a low content of vitamin C, as this interferes with the synthesis of collagen. After therapy aimed at enriching a small patient with vitamins C and D, his condition improved significantly. But doctors have come to the unequivocal conclusion that with GV and as a substitute for breast milk for babies this drink is unsuitable.

For kids

With all the harmfulness of almond milk for babies, for older children, an almond drink is very useful. Due to its high content of calcium and vitamin D, milk will make your hair, bones and teeth healthy. However, they should not completely replace the cow if the child does not suffer from intolerance to it.

With a wide range of positive characteristics, almond milk has one very significant negative quality, especially for children. The protein in cow's milk is 16 g per 100 g of product. In almonds only 4 g. Canadian scientists came to the conclusion that it is this indicator that affects the growth of the child, so children who use only vegetable milk are characterized by low growth compared to their peers who consume an animal product.

When losing weight

Particular attention should be paid to almond milk as a product in various diets. With its low calorie content, it is nutritious and rich in vitamins. Its beneficial effect on the body avoids the discomfort caused by food restrictions. Almond drink will cleanse the body of cholesterol. Almond milk can be replaced by a more fat cow.

If you need to urgently lose a couple of kilograms, you can spend one day on an almond drink with green tea. Such a diet will help not only instantly remove a little excess weight from the body, but also conduct its detoxification.

To prepare such a drink in 1.5 l of freshly brewed and slightly chilled almond milk, you need to add two tablespoons of loose green tea, let it brew for 20 minutes, strain and drink throughout the day.

Such fasting days are often impossible to arrange, enough twice a month. Together with the drink, it is important to drink plenty of purified still water, since it has a strong diuretic effect, and it is necessary to maintain the water balance in the body.

In other diets, where vegetable milk replaces cow, it is useful for its low glycemic indices (glycemic index - 15 units), as well as antioxidant properties.

It is better to use a product cooked with your own hands. In this drink there will be no artificial ingredients, sweeteners or other unnecessary substances.

Almond milk in medicine

Since ancient times, almonds have been used for medicinal purposes.Arab healers used it for diseases of the intestines and painful urination, pathologies of the upper respiratory tract, asthma. As mentioned above, almonds favorably affect the quantity and quality of male seed. Nuts are used for ulcers and high acidity, kidney disease.

To make milk, you need to soak ½ cup of nuts for 12 hours, after soaking, peel off the skin and beat with an immersion blender with several tablespoons of warm boiled water. Then dilute the resulting slurry with 400 ml of water and beat well again. The resulting drink after it reaches room temperature should be placed in the refrigerator. It can be drunk, and also used as compresses for breast tumors.

On the basis of almond milk, a healing “golden drink” is prepared, indicated for inflammatory processes, for the treatment of diseases of muscles and joints. To prepare such a drink, 3 cups of fresh almond milk must be combined with 3 tablespoons of turmeric, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of honey, it is good to beat all the components with a blender. At the first symptoms of inflammatory diseases, you should take 1 glass of such a cocktail per day.

The use of such a drink without symptoms will have a preventive effect on the body and protect it, strengthen the immune system.

Application in cosmetology

No less widely than in medicine, almond milk is also used in cosmetology. Its beneficial substances perfectly clean the pores, give elasticity and firmness, fight dryness and sagging, prevent wrinkles, soften, nourish and moisturize the skin and even have a sunscreen effect. Due to these properties, almond milk is widely used for the preparation of various creams, massage oils, soaps, means for and after shaving, sunscreens.

Given that almonds are not an exotic and quite affordable product, you can also independently prepare various cosmetics on its basis.

1. To prepare a skin care tonic, you need to pour sweet almond seeds with boiling water, peel them, grind in a mortar or coffee grinder and pour warm water so that it covers the nut powder. Cover and let stand for 3-4 hours. Then strain and let stand for another 1.5–2 hours. During this time, the mixture will exfoliate. The top layer - almond oil - must be carefully collected. The remaining liquid component - almond milk - will be used as a water base for tonic. 200 ml of such a base should be mixed with 30 ml of almond oil collected from the surface of the infusion, and 20 ml of wheat germ oil. The prepared product can be used to remove makeup, it will perfectly cleanse the skin, soften it and provide nutrients.
2. As an emollient for the skin, you can use the following composition: 50 g of sweet almonds pour 0.5 l of water per day, then strain and mix with 5 g of baby soap crushed on a grater. Daily use of such a product will help soften the skin and smooth wrinkles.
3. Another great facial remedy: 15 g of toilet soap, preferably on a natural basis and without additives, grate and dilute 100 ml of water. Put in a water bath and bring to the dissolution of soap. Without removing from the bath, add 20 g of beeswax and, stirring constantly, bring to its complete dissolution. In this mixture, while it is still hot, pour 250 ml of almond milk in a thin stream. Then pour everything into a bottle, shake well and add 150 g of vodka. The resulting solution will soften the skin, cleanse and narrow the pores.
4. Wadded disks moistened in cold almond milk can be applied to the eyes and eyebrow area - milk nourishes the hair follicles with useful substances, eyelashes and eyebrows become thick, get a healthy look. Also, such compresses will help get rid of dark circles and puffiness under the eyes.

Harm and contraindications

Almond milk has very few contraindications. But they are worth paying attention to.

1. Almond milk, as mentioned earlier, is contraindicated during breastfeeding and for infants.
2. During pregnancy with rapid weight gain, this product should also be discarded.
3. Almond milk is contraindicated for nut allergies.
4. Unripe almonds contain cyanides that are dangerous for the body, so you need to choose nuts for milk preparation with special care so that the benefits do not turn into harm.
5. With caution, you should use this product and the nuts themselves to people who are obese.
6. The soy contained in almond milk in excess can cause thyroid goiter.

How to choose and store almond milk

If preference is given to the finished product, then its choice must be treated with special care. Sugar and its substitutes in almond milk should be as small as possible. Manufacturers often add a component such as carrageenan to finished milk. This dietary supplement can harm, cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, provoke heart attacks. When buying a finished product, you need to ensure that there is no such additive in its composition.

Typically, almond milk for sale is packaged in tetrapack packaging. After opening it can be stored 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Is it possible to freeze

Almond milk lends itself to freezing. You can freeze it in plastic bottles or bags, if long-term storage is meant, and in ice tins, if freezing is just for convenience - such cubes are then added to coffee or tea.

How to make almond milk at home

Making almond milk at home is very simple. This does not require special culinary skills and work experience in a high kitchen.

60 g of almonds, always raw, must be soaked in purified or distilled water at room temperature for at least 8 hours. After draining the water, peel the nuts and beat them with a submersible blender with 250 ml of purified drinking water until smooth. Next, various seasonings and additives come into play:

1. A small pinch of sea salt will enhance the taste of the drink.
2. A few crushed dates will give the drink its sweetness.
3. Vanilla or cinnamon will add spice.
4. Honey will replace sugar and sweeten milk.

What can be made from almond milk

In cooking, almond milk is quite capable of replacing the traditional cow in the preparation of various dishes. On its basis cereals, pancakes, creams for cakes and pastries, sorbets, cocktails are prepared.

Raw buckwheat porridge

Soak 2 cups of buckwheat for 8 hours, then rinse. Combine with 50 g of maple syrup, 1 cup almond milk, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, a pinch of vanilla, 1 tablespoon of flax seeds and sea salt on the tip of a knife. Mix all the ingredients in a blender until smooth. To add flavor, you can add coconut or almond flakes, garnish with fruits and berries.

Barley porridge

To prepare 200 g of pearl barley, soak for 10 hours with water. After rinsing, rinse, pour 2 cups of almond milk and put on fire. When the milk boils, season the porridge with salt and sugar and cook for another 20-30 minutes until cooked. Then add 20 g of oil and turn off the heat, wrap the saucepan with porridge with a towel for another 1 hour. Garnish with nuts and fruits before serving.

Semolina porridge

Grind 50 g of bitter almonds, previously boiled in boiling water, add 6 cups of boiling water and combine with ¾ cup semolina. Cook semolina until thickened, then sprinkle the top with 50 g of sugar and put in the oven for 5–8 minutes until golden brown.

Oat pancakes

Grind 1 banana with a fork and mix with 3 tablespoons of protein. Add 1.5 cups of oatmeal, 1 cup of almond milk, cinnamon and sugar to taste.Mix everything until smooth.

Heat the pan, pre-lubricating it with coconut oil. Put the mixture in a pan with a spoon, fry on both sides.

In appearance, such pancakes are more like American pancakes or Russian pancakes.

Pancakes

Mix 150 ml of almond milk, 1 egg, 125 g of flour, 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil until smooth. Bake pancakes in a hot pan greased with vegetable oil. Serve ready-made pancakes with dried fruits (raisins, prunes, dried apricots, dates), can be poured with maple syrup.

Banana Strawberry Ice Cream

It is good to freeze 3 ripe bananas in the freezer for at least a day. Rinse and peel 150 g of strawberries. Mix berries, bananas and 2 tablespoons of almond milk with a hand blender until smooth. Such ice cream is immediately spread out over the bowls and served.

Cappuccino and Latte

Pour raw almonds with boiling water for several hours, then remove the husks from the nuts, add purified water at the rate of 1 to 3 and beat with a blender. Strain through cheesecloth. Liquid - almond milk - can be used to make coffee drinks in any way acceptable to humans, whether it is cappuccino or latte.

The cake obtained in the spinning process can be used as flour for the preparation of cookies.

Is it possible to boil almond milk

Almond drink is identical to cow's. Various dishes are prepared on its basis, therefore milk can not only be heated, but also boiled as usual.

Interesting Almond Facts

1. Although it is customary to consider almonds to be nuts, they are not. This is the fruit of the trees of the genus Plum of the family Rosaceae.
2. Activated carbon is made from the almond shell.
3. The world famous Amaretto liquor is based on almond.
4. Based on almond milk, the world famous blamange dessert was created.
5. Almond oil is used as a solvent for subcutaneous injection.
6. February 16 is the celebration of flowering almonds.
7. In China, almonds have become a symbol of prosperity, in Israel - immortality.
8. According to the Moroccan dream book, flowering almonds in a dream speak of the imminent fulfillment of a cherished desire.
9. Almonds in some countries are even smoked, so in supermarkets you can find smoked almonds.

Photo of almond milk