JUNE 07 – ALMOND MILK

Almonds are high in monounsaturated fats, the same type of health-promoting fats that are found in olive oil, which have been associated with lowering “bad” cholesterol and reducing risk of heart disease. In addition to healthy fats as well as vitamin E, almonds contain magnesium and potassium, which also protect the heart. Almonds also contain calcium, 100g of almonds yields 282mg of calcium.

To lower your risk of heart disease and balance your blood sugar levels, enjoy a handful of almonds or a tablespoon of nut butter at least four times per week. Eating the whole almond has much higher antioxidants and vitamin E – twenty potent antioxidant flavonoids were identified in almond skins. 0000000000000000000000000000000000000

Almonds are high in protein. A quarter-cup contains 7.62 grams-more protein than is provided by the typical egg, which contains 5.54 grams.

Almonds should smell sweet and nutty; if their odor is sharp or bitter, they are rancid. Since almonds have a high fat content, it is important to store them in a sealed container in the fridge, in order to protect them from becoming rancid. It is healthiest to consume almonds raw, un-roasted and unsalted. 00000000000000

There are two types of almonds. Sweet almonds are the type that is eaten. Bitter almonds are used to make almond oil and is used as a flavoring agent for foods and liqueurs such as Amaretto.

Serving Ideas 00

Enhance a healthy sauté of curried vegetables or a salad with sliced almonds.
Add some almond butter to a breakfast shake to boost its taste and protein content.
Almonds and apple slices make a wonderfully simple, on-the-go power snack.
Spread a little almond butter on toast or down the center of a stalk of celery.

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NUT OR SEED “MILK”

Dairy can be harmful for many of us, and we need to know that many tasty, healthy dairy alternatives exist. This nut milk can be used to substitute regular milk in almost all recipes.

1 cup of almonds, hazel nuts, cashews or sunflower seeds. All raw, unsalted and preferably organic.
3 additional cups of filtered water.
Optional: 1 tsp of maple syrup or 1 tbsp of honey.

Soak the nuts or seeds overnight (you can try this with sesame seeds as well, but omit the overnight soak). Strain and discard the water used for soaking. Place the nuts or seeds and the water in the blender and blend well. You may drink the nut milk as is or strain it through a fine strainer or cheesecloth. If you prefer the unstrained version, be sure to chew the ground mixture for optimal digestibility.

Another dairy free option is to go to the grocery or health food store and pick up ready made almond, rice or soy milk.

Enjoy!

Serving Ideas 00

Enhance a healthy sauté of curried vegetables or a salad with sliced almonds.