Author: lifehealth foods

Almond Milk – Things to look for while buying, health benefits, & how to use it.

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Almond milk has gained immense popularity in recent times with people moving away from dairy products and trying to lead a healthier and sustainable lifestyle. So, is almond milk a good alternative to cow’s milk? Or is it just a fad with no real benefits? Read on to find out for yourself.

Things to look for while buying Almond milk.

While buying almond milk or any other milk for that matter always read the label, as they say, the devil is in the details. Many packaged milks companies’ water down their almond milk as almond is the costliest ingredient.

It is also likely that your almond milk is packed with preservatives, sugars, and other artificial ingredients for longer shelf life, texture among others.

So, if you want sweetened almond milk, it is better if you get unsweetened almond milk and add sugar or sweetener of your choice rather than buying processed and sweetened almond milk.

Always go for a real brand with real reviews rather than getting whatever you see online or at the store. Choosing the right milk will decide if you really gain any benefits or worst-case scenario, it could even do terrible things for you and your body.

Health Benefits

  • Good source of Magnesium:

Almond milk is a rich source of magnesium and it is one of the most commonly found minerals in our body. It is really essential in many enzyme functions.

  • Low in calorie and carbs:

Almond milk is extremely low in calories and carbs compared to other milk sources. This makes it an ideal source for people who are looking to reduce their weight.

  • High in antioxidants

Antioxidants help in managing free radicals that damage cell functions. Antioxidants fight against these free radicals and keep your body healthy. Almond milk is filled with antioxidants that can fight free radicals.

  • Rich in calcium

Almond milk is often fortified with calcium which is one of the most important components in your bone. They help in keeping your bones strong and intact. It also fights against osteoporosis, a condition that will result in thinning bones and painful fractures.

  • Effective for lactose intolerance

As almond milk is made from nuts and is dairy free, it is a great option for people with lactose intolerance. Almond milk can also be used as a replacement for cow’s milk in almost all recipes.

  • Slowing down cognitive diseases.

Almond milk is packed with vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps your brain. Studies have found that higher levels of vitamin E in your body can reduce the risk of cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.

These are some of the benefits of almond milk.

How to use it

Almond milk can be used in a variety of ways some of them include breakfast cereals, milkshakes, juices, desserts, sweets and you can also drink it right out of the carton.

It is always better to buy almond milk that is unsweetened and add the sweetener of your choice later as regular almond milk is added with lots of artificial sugars, sweeteners, and gums for longer shelf life and a thick texture.

Guilt-Free Recipe for Your Cheat Days – Chocolate Brownie.

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“To have or Not to have cheat days” has been a topic for discussion for quite some time now. While most argue that having a cheat day/meal helps highly in reducing food carving and having mental breakdowns, many fear of overindulgence resulting in guilt and moving away from their diet plan. Well, worry no more! We bring you a guilt-free chocolate brownie recipe for your sweet tooth that doesn’t alter your diet and boosts your metabolism.

Steps to make delicious Chocolate Brownies

Ingredients:

100 g dark/semisweet chocolate

2 tsp of unsalted butter

2 egg whites

2 tsp vanilla extract

100 g honey/sugar substitute

¾ cup of all purpose flour

⅓ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder

½ cup badam milk and

Chopped toasted nuts for toppings

Step 1:  Pour the almond milk India made, in a small pan, and heat it until the milk gets warm.

Step 2: Now add the dark or semisweet chocolate (whichever you prefer) and regular butter or nut butter of your choice to the warm milk and mix it well till the chocolate melts completely without any lumps.

Step 3: Once you get the smooth mixture without any lumps, add honey/sugar substitute, egg whites, and vanilla essence to the mixture and whisk it using an electrical whisker or hand whisker to a smooth batter.

Step 4: Shift together the all-purpose flour and unsweetened cocoa powder to the batter and blend it perfectly using a blender.

Step 5:  Pour the chocolate mixture into a greased cake tin and add the roasted nuts. Preheat the oven at 180 degrees and bake it for thirty minutes. Voila! Your guilt free chocolate brownie is ready. You can eat the delicious brownies right away or you could refrigerate them for a week for later consumption.

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lifehealth foods

Why should one buy almond milk? Almond milk is not just a substitute for regular milk, but also is a healthier option amongst the two. India is mainly divided into 2 main categories in terms of food preferences – Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian. A vegetarian diet is distinct from a vegan diet as the use of dairy products is common amongst vegetarians. Use of paneer, milk and other dairy products is part of the Indian Vegetarian diet. A vegan lifestyle, on the other, restricts use of any dairy products. This has led to establishment of a new and promising industry that makes substitutes for dairy products.

Milk is the most consumed dairy product worldwide. Its consumption rate is also a reason for animal cruelty. Over the years, animals that produce milk have been treated badly and kept under inhumane conditions. The idea of a vegan life stems out of care that people have for animals. Many people believe that supporting the dairy industry is as good as committing a crime on animals. Hence, a new lifestyle was adopted where milk is plant based and cruelty free. Almond milk isn’t just great for your health, but it also serves the purpose of living in a less cruel world. Consumption of almond milk has many benefits which include low calories, low sugar, abundance of vitamin E, good amount of calcium, enriched with Vitamin D, naturally lactose-free and very easy to add to your diet.

Almond milk tastes better than cow milk but it does come in flavours. Chocolate almond milk is a treat to your taste buds. Children hate milk and go into hiding as soon as they see their mothers bringing that glass full of milk. But chocolate almond milk has a different story. It is so good; one can barely resist. It is not just fun and tasty but also healthy.

Almond milk is one small dietary change for mankind, but a life changing revolution for livestock. It all begins with a small step, what are you waiting for?

The Healthy Side of Almond Milk

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The past few years has seen an increase in the sales and consumption of almond milk and other plant-based milk as people are slowly but gradually switching from dairy milk. Plant based milk like soy and almond have been the perfect alternatives for people who are leaning towards a fitter and healthier lifestyle. The same can be said for lactose intolerant people, for whom plant-based milk give them all the benefits of dairy milk but without the allergies involved. Almond milk also has a crispy taste and is ideal for people who do not like the taste of dairy milk.

Health benefits of almond milk:

  1. Almond milk is extremely rich in micronutrients. The high concentration of antioxidants in Vitamin E is beneficial for the skin. It keeps the skin supple and firm and helps in their nourishment.
  2. Almond milk contains unsaturated fats. These fats help in the regular beating of the heart and keeps heart related diseases in check. Almond milk do not contain cholesterol that’s present in dairy milk. Cholesterol is a health hazard and its consumption should be kept to a minimum. The consumption of almond milk assures the presence of potassium in the body which helps in reducing tension and strain on the heart.
  3. It helps in reducing blood pressure. The movement of blood in our body takes place through the veins. The presence of Vitamin D and minerals like phosphorus etc. ensures your veins are working in perfect condition. Poor movement of blood in a body could lead to sever effects and result in high blood pressure. Therefore, it is important to ensure your body is getting the required quota of such vitamins and minerals. Almond milk helps in supplementing these nutrients for a healthy life.
  4. It strengthens muscles. When you buy almond milk fortified with calcium, you’re providing the basic building materials for your bones and muscles. The presence of riboflavin in almond milk helps in regulating muscle strength and growth. It helps in speeding up damages and helps in maintaining a healthier body.
  5. It aids in weight loss. For people on a weight loss diet or trying to reduce weight, almond milk is a perfect replacement for dairy milk. It does not contain a lot of fat but provides the necessary nutrients needed by the body. For comparison, one glass of almond milk contains about 60 calories against 146 calories present in dairy milk.
  6. Does not need refrigeration. Almond milk does not spoil easily and do not need to be refrigerated to preserve its freshness. As such, it is perfect for trips and vacations and shorter on-the-go commutes. And because, it does not need refrigeration, you do not have to worry about consuming it as soon as possible.

The benefits of almond milk are many. However, to ensure you get the best for your buck, look for almond milk protein fortified. As almond milk naturally has a low concentration of protein, those fortified with calcium offsets the loss so that you do not have to look for other protein sources elsewhere.

What to Look for When Buying Almond Milk?

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Almond milk has taken the world by storm and is hitting headlines across the country. You can see it being mentioned on twitter feeds and celebrity Instagram posts, on television ads and billboards on your way to work. Is it worth the hype? Absolutely! Coming on as a challenger to dairy milk, almond milk has become quite a favourite of many households in a short time. The vegans love it, the lactose intolerant take delight in it and fitness conscious people swear by it. And top it off with the rich crispy flavour of almonds, it’s no wonder why people are flocking to this plant based milk instead of dairy milk.

We all know the benefits of milk and why from children to adults, love it. Almond milk has all those benefits and none of the harmful stuff. That means, cholesterol count is low and it doesn’t contain any saturated fats. This in turn ensures a healthy heart for healthy living.

When you plan to buy almond milk, look for two things.

  1. The unsweetened version- Most packaged almond milk comes added with sugar. Sugar free or unsweetened almond milk is a low carb drink and doesn’t cause a spike in blood sugar levels. This makes it ideal for people following a low carb diet and for the ones suffering from diabetes.
  2. Fortified with calcium/protein. In general, almond milk is rich in micronutrients but has a low concentration of proteins and calcium. Make sure to check the label of the brand and ensure it mentions “fortified with calcium or proteins” so that you meet your required daily quota.

Another thing worth noting is that almond milk is also available in different flavours. Chocolate almond milk is one of the most popular flavours available as it is popular with all age groups. Try using flavoured almond milk in your recipes and shakes for a tasty surprise.

Easy Way to Make Almond Milk At Home

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The popularity of almond milk India and other countries has grown significantly in the last few years. Although dairy milk still remains popular, a greater number of people are switching to plant-based milk. This is because almond milk does not contain cholesterol which is considered as a big heart risk.

Making almond milk at home is super easy. It is recommended to make almond milk at home if your consumption is always high. For others, many brands of almond milk are readily available online or at your nearest supermarket.

To make organic almond milk at home, first of all, you’ll need organic almonds. You can source these at your nearest grocers. With the demand for organic food rising in the country, organic almonds are readily available. Do not forget to buy a little extra from the shop or order online so that it is delivered to your doorstep.

The next thing you will need is a blender followed by a mixing bowl, water, and a nylon mesh bag. This mesh bag will be needed to strain the pulp of almonds after you pour the blended badam milk through it.

Method:

Take a cup of organic almonds and put them in a bowl. Add water and keep them soaked overnight. Soaking almonds in water overnight helps in softening the hard skin of the almonds. Drain the water the next and rinse the organic almonds overflowing water. Make sure to rinse the organic almonds a couple of times. Now that rinsing is done, take a blender and pour the almonds into it. Add about 1 litre of fresh water and blend the mixture. You’ll see the creamy blend once it is done. Now take the nylon mesh bag and place it over a bowl. Gently pour the mixture on the mesh bag taking care not to spill the pulp into the bowl. This will prevent the almond globs that would otherwise appear on milk if you are not careful. Once the entire mixture is poured, gently lift the nylon mesh bag, and hold it from the top. Start applying pressure by squeezing the bag from all sides to drain all the available milk in the pulp. Once the entire milk is drained, transfer it into a jar and you are ready to enjoy your homemade organic almond milk.

You can use this almond milk for your recipes and delicious milkshakes. Almond milk is rich in texture and comes with a crispy taste that is both delicious and enjoyable. For a twist in flavour, you can make delicious fruit shakes with almond milk or the popular chocolate almond milk shake.

Almond milk does not need to be refrigerated and hence does not spoil easily. This makes it perfect for carrying it with you on your trips. The benefits of organic almond milk are tremendous. From being rich in antioxidants that nourish your skin to the lack of saturated fats which are harmful for your health, almond milk is a refreshing perfect alternative to your dairy milk.

Beat the Heat with A Badam Milkshake

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Summers are here. And that means, it’s the time for fresh juices and tasty milkshakes. Milkshakes took the world by storm in the mid of 1900s. By 1950s the majority of the food outlets were selling them. Be it the young or the elderly, milkshakes became a favourite for everyone.

The craze soon spread all over the world and India was no exception. During the summers, it is one of the most popular drinks to binge on. Delicious, chilled and delectable, milkshakes are the easiest way to prepare during the summer madness. For the ones who have kids, milkshakes can be the best way to make your kids drink milk.

One of the most common types of shake in India is the badam shake. Badam milkshake is probably the perfect summer drink with the added health benefits. The crispy taste of badam and the smooth texture of almond milk make it a refreshing go-to drink during the summers.

Here’s how you can make a tasty badam milkshake at home.

Ingredients:

  • 20-25 almonds
  • 3-4 cups milk
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • Crushed almonds

Method: – Soak the almonds overnight. Drain the water and peel the almonds. Since the almonds were soaked overnight, the outer hard skin of the almonds has become soft. Transfer the almonds into a blender and blend to a smooth paste. Boil milk in a heavy bottomed pan. Once the milk is boiling, add sugar and the almond paste and let it cook in medium flame for about 5 minutes. Transfer it to a glass and add the crushed almonds. Serve hot or chill it in the refrigerator for later.

You can make different types of milkshakes accordingly. Substitute dairy milk with almond milk for a different flavour. The rich texture of almond milk makes it a perfect substitute to experiment with different fruits and tastes.

 

Why Are People Shifting to Almond Milk?

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Yes, you heard it right. People across the world are ditching dairy milk to plant-based milk and the reasons are varying. Some do it for the planet, some do it for animals and some simply do it because they’re onto a new healthy diet routine. But is it just a fad? Or are there actual benefits behind it?

Now we all know that milk is one of the most important sources of nutrition for a growing body. Even for most adults, milk is one of their basic food necessities. However, none other than humans rely on dairy milk after the initial growth stages. So why not shift to plant-based milk instead? You will not be exploiting animals and will be reducing the carbon footprint as well.

Compared to cow milk, the badam milk benefits are almost better in every aspect except for concentration of calcium and protein. Rich in antioxidants and Vitamin E, badam milk ensures your skin gets the treatment it deserves and thus reduces the signs of ageing. With a very low concentration of saturated fats and calories, say goodbye to that excess weight you never wanted. The only fats they contain are the ones that your heart requires to keep beating healthy. The lack of protein and calcium can be offset by consumption of other protein rich foods. For vegans and lactose intolerant people, there is no better alternative and for people switching to a healthy lifestyle, you’re also gaining a distinctive tasty flavour for all your coffee, tea, milkshake requirements.

When you buy almond milk, make sure you read the packaging carefully. Some packaged badam milk comes fortified with calcium so that you do not miss your daily dose. Badam milk is a healthy alternative for adults; however, it is not advised to use it for babies. Please consult your doctor before switching your baby’s milk variety.

Making Delicious Milkshakes with Almond Milk

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Be it summers or throughout the year, milkshakes are loved by kids and approved by adults as a refreshing drink. And if you’re planning on losing weight or following a dairy-free diet, there’s nothing better than milkshakes with almond milk to soothe your taste buds. Why? That’s because almond milk is not only delicious but it also has a rich texture giving that extra oomph to an otherwise plain shake. Be it for breakfast or a quick drink in the evening, we bring to you two tasty and easy milkshakes to light up your day.

Let us get going. The first shake up is badam milkshake. Not only they’re delicious, badam milk also helps in increasing memory power and is a good alternative for kids.

Here is how you can make your delicious shake at home for yourself or for your kids.

Ingredients

  • 2 glasses of almond milk
  • 15-20 badam/almond
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • Saffron strands
  • 2 cardamoms, powdered into fine powder

Method

Step 1: First, soak the badam overnight. Drain the water before you’re about to make the shake and peel the badam. Transfer the peeled badam into a blender. Add 1 tbsp of almond milk and blend the mixture into a paste

Step 2: Bring milk to boil in a pot and add the blended badam. Cook for another 10-12 minutes on low flame while stirring. Add cardamom powder and mix well.

Step 3: Add the sugar and saffron strands. Stir till sugar is dissolved and switch off the flame.

Step 4: Let it cool and transfer it to a glass. Refrigerate or serve chilled with a few ice cubes.

And that’s how you make something delicious as well as healthy. For the vegans and the health conscious, there’s nothing more perfect than making it with our almond milk. There are different types of milkshakes you can experiment with. But if there is one thing in the world that is loved by all, it’s chocolate.

Not only it is a comfort food choice, but cocoa in chocolate contains flavonoids. Flavonoids help in lowering blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels. This in turn decreases the risk of heart disease.

Make your own glass of yummy chocolate milk shake. We got you covered.

Ingredient:

  • 2 glasses of almond milk
  • Ice cubes
  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 5-2 tbsp sugar
  • Grated chocolate
  • 1 tbsp chocolate syrup

Method:

Step 1: In a blender, add sugar, cocoa powder and almond milk. Blend until the cocoa powder is completely dissolved.

Step 2: Add a couple of ice cubes and blend until the shake looks frothy.

Step 3: Take a glass and pour chocolate syrup on the insides of the glass. Transfer the shake from the blender. Top it up with chocolate shavings and serve cold.

Don’t let the summers pass you buy. Make the most of it with delicious fruit and milk shakes. The almond milk in the shake is not only healthy and a good substitute for dairy milk, it also reduces your calorie intake significantly. For lactose intolerant people, this is one milkshake you can never say no to.

Why Choose Almond Milk Over Cow Milk

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We all know that milk is full of proteins and nutrients. It is the first food that a baby takes, and it helps in their growth and development. The calcium present in milk promotes bone growth and milk is considered important for health sustainability. However, milk also contains unsaturated fats which are detrimental for health. Regular intake of milk allows accumulation of fats in your body. If you are planning on weight loss, replacing cow milk with other varieties of milk is recommended.

Benefits of almond milk nutrition are as follows:

  1. Less sugar and calories. Compared to cow milk, almond milk has comparatively less sugar and calories making it healthier for your body and growth.
  2. The presence of Vitamin E in almond milk helps in rejuvenating the skin. A daily intake not only keeps the skin supple but also enriches skin growth. A powerful antioxidant, Vitamin E fights inflammation in the body and helps protect against cancer and other heart diseases.
  3. With a steady intake of potassium present in the milk, you can keep your blood pressure at a normal rate.

Keep in mind though that many processed almond milks contain additives such as gums, sugar, and other emulsifiers. The emulsifiers are added to maintain texture and consistency and considered safe; however, it should not be consumed in high amounts. Please go through the packaging label if you are buying processed milk. To completely avoid these additives, go for the unflavoured version. If you are following a specific or restricted diet, choose the one which is fortified with Vitamin D and high in calcium.

For people suffering from lactose intolerance, it is the best alternative. Lactose intolerance can cause different painful symptoms and hence dairy products are a complete no-no. When choosing a dairy milk alternative for a child, choose almond milk that is fortified with calcium. This helps in bone growth and healthy development of a growing child.

All these and more. The nutty, crispy flavour of the milk is a welcome alternative for various food recipes. It can also replace traditional milk in your cup of coffee or milk for that extra delight. If you’re on a health-conscious plan and plan to reduce your sugar intake, unsweetened almond milk is your best friend.

For an adult, if you are wondering whether it is a viable alternative for milk in your diet, fear not. You can use almond milk for almost anything. Some of these include:

  • Cereals
  • Coffee/Tea
  • Baking & Cooking
  • Soups and sauces
  • Yogurts & Ice creams

If you are not bothered about calcium intake and take calcium through other sources, you can make your own almond milk. Just soak almond overnight and drain the water before use. Add the almonds to a blender along with fresh water and any additives such as vanilla or cocoa powder. Pulse for 2-3 minutes until the almonds are finely ground. Transfer the contents into a nut milk bag and squeeze out all the liquid into a bowl. Voila, your homemade almond milk is ready.