The benefits and harms of almond milk

The benefits and harms of almond milk make it possible to use it as a substitute for cow milk when switching to vegetarianism, lactose intolerance, during fasting and for cosmetic purposes. Possessing a rich vitamin and mineral composition, the product has a positive effect on health and also rejuvenates.

Almond milk composition

This milk is made from crushed almond kernels and water. It turns out a drink with a delicate taste and rich chemical composition, which contains:

• proteins;
• carbohydrates;
• fats;
• vitamins A, C, E, group B;
• macro- and microelements - potassium and calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, chlorine, sulfur;
• flavonoids;
• antioxidants.

Unlike cow's milk, almond does not contain cholesterol and lactose, to which many develop intolerance. It has fewer calories and less saturated fat. However, the protein content in milk is also lower.

Benefits of almond milk

Research results have proven that almond milk improves health. The product has positive effects on gastrointestinal diseases - peptic ulcer, gastritis, colitis. Also, milk from almonds helps to restore damaged mucous membranes, improves intestinal motility and restores its microflora. The result is constipation and bloating.

Bioactive substances that make up plant milk strengthen the body's defenses. With regular use of almond drink, resistance to viruses increases, a person is less likely to get sick with influenza and acute respiratory infections, and he recovers faster with a mild cold. The product strengthens bones, prevents teeth crumbling and brittle nails. It is recommended for older people who have calcium deficiency.

Due to the absence of cholesterol, almond milk has a positive effect on the circulatory system. The drink promotes the removal of plaques and prevents atherosclerosis, varicose veins, thrombophlebitis. Omega acids in almond milk prevent vascular fragility, and retinol helps the eyes adapt to stress during long-term computer work.

For women

Nuts are high in calories, but milk made from them is a dietary product that helps women lose weight or maintain their current weight. One cup of almond milk contains about 60 Kcal versus 146 Kcal in the same amount of cow milk.

The product helps to maintain youth, has a positive effect on appearance:

1. Thanks to the content of vitamins A and E, almond milk improves skin condition, reduces the severity of wrinkles, and slows down aging. Also, the product minimizes the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation when relaxing on the beach and visiting tanning salons.
2. The large amount of natural antioxidants tocopherol and retinol in almond drink enhance the production of collagen, which is responsible for the elasticity and youthfulness of the skin.
3. The abundance of B vitamins in milk stimulates hair growth, makes them stronger and thicker.

For men

Almond milk also benefits men. The drink helps to build muscle, therefore it is in demand among athletes and those who just work out in the gym.

This effect provides a sufficiently high iron content in milk, which improves the supply of oxygen to muscle fibers. This is important for long training sessions. Almond milk also contains vitamin B2 and riboflavin, which is involved in protein synthesis.

For children

Many babies have lactose intolerance and cannot drink cow's milk. It can be replaced with an almond drink - provided that the child is not allergic to nuts.

Milk can be introduced into the children's diet from the age of 6-8 months, like any complementary food. First, you need to give the product a little - a teaspoon, gradually increasing the amount. After a couple of weeks, the child will have better sleep and normal stool.

During pregnancy

For pregnant women, almond milk is an additional source of calcium and vitamin A, which prevents the threat of miscarriage. The folic acid contained in the product is essential for the growth and development of the fetus. Its sufficient amount in the mother's body is especially important in the first trimester, when the tissues and organs of the unborn child are being laid. Deficiency of the substance is fraught with premature placental abruption, gestosis and other complications of pregnancy.

When breastfeeding

Almond milk is well absorbed. Therefore, the inclusion of the product in the diet of a nursing mother has a positive effect on the child:

• participates in the formation of muscles, teeth and bones;
• ensures the correct development of vision;
• strengthens the immune system;
• normalizes digestion.

You need to start drinking milk with small doses, monitoring the reaction of the baby. If he shows signs of allergies, the product should be discarded immediately.

Cooking applications

You can simply drink almond milk or use it to prepare various dishes - not only sweet, but also salty:

• baking;
• ice cream;
• milk porridge;
• almond cheese;
• smoothies and yoghurts;
• salads;
• creamy soups;
• snacks.

Almond milk is an easy substitute for cow milk in any recipe. Remnants of nuts are added to the same dishes, and delicious bread, cakes, and muffins are obtained from them.

You can whip up a banana smoothie with almond milk and flaxseed.

Ingredients for two portions:

• 2 bananas;
• 5 tbsp. l of soaked flaxseeds;
• 2 tbsp. l almond milk;
• 3 tbsp. l honey.

Seeds need to be poured over a glass of water and left in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, drain the water from them and grind in a blender. Then add the rest of the ingredients and beat again.

Another tasty and healthy recipe based on almond milk is blancmange with berry coolie sauce.

Ingredients:

• a glass of almond milk;
• 200 g raspberries;
• 2 tbsp. l sugar;
• vanilla pod;
• 1 tsp agar agar;
• powdered sugar.

Pour the almond milk into the pan, add the vanilla pod, bring to a boil and turn off the stove. Add agar-agar, mix, arrange into molds and refrigerate. For coolie sauce, rub the raspberries, add the icing sugar and chill. Then add to blancmange - you get a low-fat and moderately sweet dessert.

Almond milk in cosmetology

Almond milk has long been used for face and body care, and is included in many cosmetics for the skin. The homemade product can be used as a cleanser or lotion. Almond milk normalizes metabolism and regenerates the skin, softening it, purifying it, increasing firmness and elasticity. The product helps to heal sunburn by lubricating the affected areas.

You can use the product as a conditioner for hair before washing and add it to masks. The product will help get rid of dandruff and itching, strengthen hair and give a beautiful shine.

Homemade Almond Milk Recipe

Almond milk can not be found in every store, and manufacturers often add preservatives. Therefore, it is better to prepare the drink yourself. This is not difficult, and you will need few ingredients: almond kernels, water, if desired - honey, vanillin or another sweetener.

Instructions on how to make almond milk at home:

1. Pour the nuts with water in a ratio of 1: 3 and leave overnight to soak and swell.
2. Scald the almonds with boiling water, wait 15 minutes and remove the skin - it will come off easily after the above manipulations. To get a pleasant creamy shade of almond milk, you need to lightly fry the nuts and use with the peel.
3. Pour the kernels with a glass of water and grind in a blender, preferably in several approaches for 10-15 minutes. To add spicy notes to the drink, you can mix raw materials with dates, bananas or dried apricots.
4. When the color becomes saturated, wrap the nuts in several layers of gauze and squeeze. You can sweeten it with honey or vanilla, add cinnamon.

Possible harm and contraindications

Almonds are a strong allergen, so milk from it should not be consumed if nuts are intolerant. With excessive use, a number of side effects are possible:

• dizziness;
• overexcitation;
• violation of the heart rhythm;
• in diseases of the thyroid gland - the development of goiter.

For a newborn, almond milk cannot replace breast milk. It can only be introduced into the diet together with complementary foods. Store-bought milk contains sugar, so you need to be careful with diabetes and excess weight.

Choosing and storing almond milk

When choosing almond milk in a store, you need to check the expiration date and the integrity of the packaging, as well as carefully study the composition. Manufacturers add preservatives and sweeteners to the product - the less, the healthier.

If carrageenan is present in almond milk, it is better not to take such a drink. This supplement can cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, aggravate the course of stomach ulcers and some heart conditions.

Homemade almond milk can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 1.5 days. It turns sour more slowly than cow, so you can give it to your child with you to school, take it with you to training.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of almond milk boils down to the fact that it is a worthy alternative to cow milk, but there is a risk of an allergic reaction. The drink normalizes the functions of the stomach and intestines, improves the condition of the skin and hair. The product is low in calories and does not contain lactose and cholesterol. You can replace cow's milk with almond milk in any recipes, add it to coffee, tea and drink it in its pure form. Many people like the soft nutty flavor and light consistency. Also, the product is widely used for cosmetic purposes - for washing, as a skin lotion or hair balm.

If you are allergic to nuts, you should not consume almond milk and drink more than 200 g per day. Although the drink is beneficial for children with lactose intolerance, care should be taken when introducing it into a child's diet.

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