Life Health Foods

Four Best Types of Almond Milk and Their Benefits

March 17, 2021June 21, 2021 lifehealth foods

Since almond milk is vegan and lactose-free, many people use it as an alternative to milk. There are also some exciting flavors you can add to it of your choice. Popularly used and liked flavors are listed below with their benefits.

Classic – It is the combination of filtered water, raw sugar, almonds, calcium, salt, and stabilizer. It’s a creamy delicious substitute for milk. It contains total fat of only 2.8grams per glass, 263 KJ of energy, total carbohydrates 8 grams, sugar 7 grams, zero lactose, zero cholesterol, 200mg of calcium, and 1gram of protein.

Unsweetened almond milk – This unsweetened almond milk contains filtered water, almonds, tapioca starch, calcium, salt, stabilizer, and natural flavor. This gives the real taste of almonds with reduced sugar. This will blend perfectly with smoothies. This contains total fat of 3 gram only, zero cholesterol, zero lactose, 168 KJ of energy, 1.8 grams of carbohydrates, 0.3gram sugar, 0.8grams dietary fibers, 129 mg of sodium, 200 mg of calcium, and 1.3 grams of protein

Unsweetened vanilla – This unsweetened vanilla contains filtered water, almonds, tapioca starch, calcium, salt, natural vanilla flair, stabilizer. It slightly gives the original taste of almond but without added sugars. The combination of unsweetened almond milk with vanilla flavor gives wonderful tastes. It contains a total fat of 3grams, zero cholesterol, zero lactose, 168 KJ of energy, 1.8 grams of carbs, 129 mg of sodium, 200 mg of calcium, and 1.3 grams of protein.

Chocolate almond milk – unThis chocolate-rich almond milk tastes delicious and satisfies all your chocolate cravings. This is a combination of filtered water, raw sugar, almonds, 0.6% of cocoa powder, calcium, salt, and natural flavor. It contains 3gram of total fat, zero cholesterol, zero lactose, 418 KJ of energy, 16.2 grams of carbs, 14.9 grams of sugar, 1.2 grams of dietary fiber,127mg of sodium, 200mg of calcium, and 1.5grams of protein.

Almond milk is rich in calcium, protein, and minerals. Especially almond milk protein plays a vital role in the activities of your body and calcium helps the bones of your body. Try out this variety of almond milk and also customize it with your favourites.

Benefits of Almond Milk That Everyone Should Know

March 16, 2021 lifehealth foods

Almonds are popularly enjoyed by many all over the world. Almonds can satisfy your cravings for a snack by eating it in different ways such as roasted almonds, fried almonds with a pinch of salt and chili powder, almond milk of your choice.

Since almond milk is lactose-free, it is widely preferred by many for their dairy cravings. People who are lactose intolerant have almond milk as a substitute for milk and other dairy products. For the flavor and taste, almond milk ultimately stands on the top of the favourite list to many without any second thoughts. Some people prefer plain almond milk and plenty of people use their preferred flavors. Beyond all the taste it gives, there are also many health benefits to almond milk. Here we are going to see all the almond milk nutrition values and how its benefits in our physical health.

Rich in Magnesium – Almond milk is very much rich in magnesium which is one of the most important and common minerals in our body. Magnesium plays a vital role in controlling our blood pressure, sugar level and it gives energy to our body. It also plays a major part in the body’s enzyme reactions.

Alternate for milk – Since it is lactose-free, many vegans and people who are lactose intolerant can use it as an alternative for milk. It does not necessarily involve animal milk, many vegans use this as the main substitute for milk.

Fewer calories – Unsweetened almond milk gives fewer calories than animal milk. It almost gives 80% fewer calories and carbohydrates than dairy milk but serves all the nutrients as milk. This will control all sugar spikes in our bodies.

Strengthens the bone – Almond milk is rich in calcium. This helps to strengthen bones in our body because calcium helps to maintain the hard structure of bones. Calcium makes our bones strong and helps our body to fight many diseases.

Prevents progression of cognitive diseases – Almond milk is one of the sources of vitamin E, which is an antioxidant. This helps our brain in several ways. Research shows that enough vitamin E consumption can reduce the progression of cognitive disease.

Speaking of benefits and nutrients, almond milk can be made as a smoothie which is a kickstart for your brain and also gives many added health benefits. Some of the best varieties of almond milk smoothie are:

Beet strawberry smoothie: Few strawberries with almond milk smoothie is the perfect way to kick start your day.

Chocolate almond milk smoothie: This creamy choco texture sets the perfect mood for any day. Apart from chocolate almond milk, many people prefer almond chocolates like dairy milk almond and many other dark chocolates with almond.

Raspberry almond smoothie: Raspberry added with almond milk gives a refreshing flavor and it is good in summers.

Green smoothie: Many health-conscious people add spinach in almond milk smoothie, which healthy for hemoglobin’s.

Likewise, almond provides you with all the healthy nutrients and also you can customize it as you prefer. Cheers to all who are going to try different almond milk to satisfy your cravings.

Why Non-Dairy Based Drinks and Brews Are Slowly Becoming A Fad?

March 9, 2021June 21, 2021 lifehealth foods

When you tell someone that you are vegan or staying off dairy, the question you are often asked is how you fulfil your cravings for those yummy milkshakes and creamy smoothies. What most people do not understand is that following a specific diet plan does not mean that you need to part with your favoured snacks and drinks. We live in a modern world with plenty of substitutes available for all foods and your favourite milkshakes and smoothies are no exception to that. You would be amazed to find the types of milkshakes you could make using plant-based milk.

Using almond milk, soy milk or other plant-based milk substitutes readily available in the market and with a few tweaks to the recipes, you could blend any of those creamy treats you want sans any dairy. The badam milk shake or the fruit milkshakes made with almond milk are not distinguishable from the dairy-based milkshakes when it comes to their texture and taste. But the case isn’t the same when you compare the health benefits of both these options. Non-dairy milk is rich in minerals and vitamins and it is an added advantage that they are low on cholesterol and fat. The beverages and desserts made with plant-based milk are a boon for people with slow digestive systems or allergic reactions to lactose. You could also have these delish treats without any regrets as vegan milk promotes weight loss by enhancing your metabolism.

So, what is stopping you from making your first vegan milkshake? Grab your carton of almond or soy milk and try out those multitudes of non-dairy drink recipes you can find online. Let me assure you that the chocolate milk shake blunged with almond milk and cocoa powder is so good that even your dairy-loving friend would be dying to dig into it!

Does Almond Milk Help in Weight Loss?

February 24, 2021June 21, 2021 lifehealth foods

Lately, people have started keeping a watch on their weight, for which they have started taking modifying their diets in order to make sure they don’t miss out on eating healthy food. Milk has always been a very important part of everyone’s diet. However, regular dairy milk is not as healthy as people claim for it to be. Thus, in order to make sure you don’t miss out on the goodness of milk, almond milk makes for the perfect alternative. You could either choose organic almond milk or regular almond milk or unsweetened almond milk, you’re undoubtedly making the right decision.

Almond milk comes with multiple health benefits, one of which is that it is ideal for helping you lose weight. Did you know? Almond milk nutrition has a significant role to play when it comes to boosting your metabolism, keeping your sugar levels under control and keeping you feeling fuller for longer hours. Everyone needs a daily drink to rely on. A drink that not only treats your taste buds but also has a number of health benefits to offer. Thus, replacing dairy milk almond milk is a smarter choice.

Low in calories, almond milk doesn’t make you worry about gaining weight. This nut milk works as a natural metabolism booster, which means no matter how much you drink it, it is easily digestible. It also comes in an unsweetened version, which means it also succeeds in keeping your sugar levels under control. While this dairy free drink helps you lose weight, it also makes sure you don’t miss out on the other important health benefits. The calcium content in almond milk keeps your bones and teeth strong and healthy, while its vitamin E content keeps your skin beautiful and heart healthy. Plus, almond milk is a rich source of antioxidants, which makes it ideal for slowing down the ageing process.

So, in short, yes, almond milk does play a significant role in ensuring effective weight loss.

February 17, 2021 lifehealth foods

Why Is Almond Milk Beneficial To Kids?

Almond milk is the most popular plant milk. It is rich in several healthful nutrients. Almond milk is made by blending almonds with water and then straining the mixture to remove the solids. You can also make it by adding water to almond butter.

It has a pleasant, nutty flavor and a creamy texture similar to that of regular milk. Badam milk benefits and nutrition values are endless. This is the only reason why it has become a popular choice for mothers whose children are allergic to cow’s milk. Almond milk is fortified with extra calcium which makes it equally healthy and nutritious as cow’s milk. Almond milk can be added into your child’s daily diet in interesting ways.

Here are some benefits of almond milk for kids:

Ensures a Healthy Heart

The consumption of fat is very essential for kids during their growing years. Therefore, at times, parents don’t realise but they tend to overfeed their children with fatty foods that turns out to be unhealthy.

Almond milk is low in cholesterol and saturated fat contents. This makes sure that there is no possibility of obesity in your child and helps them to maintain a healthy heart.

Strengthens the Bones

We all know that almond milk may not contain as much calcium as regular cow milk. However, the amount of calcium your child acquires from almond milk is quite substantial. Studies show that almond milk offers 30% of the child’s recommended daily intake of calcium along with the recommended amount of daily intake for Vitamin D, which is 25 percent. This strengthens their bones and reduces any chances of bone disorders in the future.

Good for Skin

Almond milk is the best source of Vitamin E in children as well as adults. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that supports skin health. In a country like India where there is so much pollution, our child’s natural and smooth skin is at risk since the very start. However, regular consumption of almond milk makes sure that your child is getting the right nutrition in order for them to have a healthy and glowing skin.

Increases Muscle Strength

It is absolutely critical for a child to build muscle strength in their early years. Therefore, they need to be given the right food that gives them the right amount of protein and nutrition that ensures muscle growth and development.

Almond milk only contains 1 gram of protein per serving. It also contains plenty of vitamins like iron and riboflavin. Both of these vitamins are extremely important for muscle growth and healing. Since children are often exposed to getting hurt from a regular tumble or a serious fall, the healing properties of almond milk can provide them with all the support they need.

Ensures Healthy Digestion

It is a known fact that children are most likely to deal with digestive issues and gut problems. Mothers often have to stress about what they consume on a regular basis as anything can trigger their digestion very easily. Most of the time, lactose is the reason why children face problems with digestion as it is too heavy. While almond milk does not contain any lactose, it offers one gram of fiber per serving, which is important as well as the best solution for a healthy digestion.

February 16, 2021 lifehealth foods

Are You A Morning Person Or Not?

Drinking milk has been an essential part of our growing years. Waking up every morning to a glass of the regular while you dread having it and you’re forced by your mom anyway? That is a childhood memory most of us will never forget. However, as we grow as adults it became our least favourite thing to drink because of various reasons. Milk has never been the go-to drink for most of us but on the contrary it holds properties that will help you for a lifetime. Milk infused with different flavours and ingredients now has made it “less boring” to drink. One very healthy & tasty ingredient that can be added to milk, to make it tasty and healthy with no added preservatives or extra sugar is Almonds. Almond milk is a delicious plant-based that is made of ground almonds. It has a creamy texture and a nutty flavour.

Almond milk is also high in calcium. It’s nutritious, made with 3 simple ingredients and ready in just 20 minutes. Almond milk is also very light and cholesterol-free. In India, almond milk is not as widely used and recognised. It is a popular alternative for people who follow a vegan diet, are lactose intolerant or are allergic to dairy. It is a great alternative to regular milk options for regular milk drinkers to reduce their sugar intake through milk because of its natural flavour. Almond milk in India is still a growing concept. So for all you looking for a healthier, easier & tasty alternative to the regular, Almond milk is just the thing for you! It’s time for a change. For parents and elders, Almond milk is a very good substitute. Maybe it’s time you turn into your mom and don’t take no for an answer!

February 15, 2021February 10, 2021 lifehealth foods

Fun Ways to Consume Almond Milk

People have slowly learnt how to incorporate almond milk in their daily meals. There are so many interesting recipes online that will persuade you into buying almond milk online.

Almond milk is the best alternative to regular dairy milk. Although almond milk nutrition is not nearly as much as cow’s milk but the nutrients in it are similar to regular milk. It is richer in Vitamin E and Calcium than cow milk. It is low in calories and is dairy free, best for a vegan diet. Almond milk is rich in good fats, which promote a healthy heart and keep you feeling full. Some of the most important health benefits of almond milk are:

● Low in calories

● Low in sugar

● High in Vitamin E

● A good source of calcium

● Enriched with Vitamin D

● Naturally Lactose-Free

● Dairy-Free and Vegan

● Low in phosphorus, with a moderate amount of potassium.

Almond milk is available in many variants online and offline like chocolate almond milk, vanilla almond milk, coconut almond milk, unsweetened almond milk etc. People also make their own almond milk at home by following some easy steps as mentioned below:

Take 1 cup of almonds that are soaked overnight⁠, 4 cups of water, a sweetener (like medjool dates) and a pinch of salt.
Blend everything together until smooth. Put a tea towel over a sieve above a bowl. Pour the mixture through the tea towel and squeeze to extract as much milk as possible.⁠

Let’s dig into some interesting recipes that are super healthy and great to snack on!

Vegan and Gluten-Free Blueberry Walnut Muffins

Ingredients: (makes about 5-6 muffins)

2 cups of old fashioned rolled oats, gluten-free (powdered)
1/2 cup of unsweetened almond milk (Almuse of course)
2 tbsp of maple syrup or as per taste
1 tsp vanilla essence or as per taste
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
Dried Blueberries – approximately 3-4 per muffin
1 1/2 tsp vegetable oil/ coconut oil as per preference
Walnuts, crushed and to your liking for that crunch and warmth

Process

Preheat oven at 180 degrees
Mix dry ingredients and wet ingredients in separate bowls and then add together and mix well again
Grease your baking cups/ tray with a thin layer of oil
Add the batter to cups/ tray and bake for 25-30 minutes
Check for moistness with a toothpick to see if it’s baked

In case you are using a microwave on convection mode to bake, preheat to 230 degrees and then bake for 12-15 minutes.

Almond Milk Smoothie with Bananas & Avocados

Ingredients:

1 banana, peeled and sliced
1 avocado, peeled and sliced
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup plain greek yoghurt
1 cup chocolate almond milk or any other flavour of your choice

Instructions:

Put all ingredients in a blender, then blend until the mixture reaches your desired consistency, and pour into a glass.
Top with whipped cream, chocolate flakes or feel free to add on whatever you want. Enjoy!

February 9, 2021 lifehealth foods

Milking it’ with Almonds

The dairy industry is in distress. it is dying, slowly and steadily in the years to come. Hence, in order to make up for this void the food industry is continually churning out substitutes. Some are healthier than their counterparts and some are just gimmicks!

On that note let’s talk about one of the most flourishing substitutes to animal milk – Almond milk. Almonds have been around for centuries and they are famed for their wholesomeness. Almond milk, on the other hand, started gaining popularity in the early 2000’s and in the last decade it’s been one of the most trusted sources of nutrition in kids and adults alike.

So, without further ado let’s discuss some of the most admired benefits of almond milk.

Weight watcher – This low calorie nutty drink keeps you full and satisfied and aids in weight loss as compared to the daily servings of dairy.
Antioxidant alert – Almonds are naturally high in Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant tag combats stress and inflammation.
Lactose-free – lactose is a sugar found in animal milk. Almond milk is plant based and hence it’s free of lactose. Hence almond milk is a suitable alternative for lactose intolerant people.
Vegan-friendly – Some people avoid dairy due to religious, environmental or lifestyle reasons, one of them being veganism.
Lower risk on kidneys – lower levels of phosphorus and potassium in almond milk makes this drink suitable for patients who suffer from chronic kidney and heart diseases.

All in all, buy almond milk for whatever reasons you like. it’s a go-to drink for all those who cannot or choose not to drink animal milk.

Brands like ‘So Good’ are making a mark in the market by selling flavoured and unsweetened almond milk. Consume it in the form of smoothies or add it to your day-to-day meals, almond milk is extremely healthy and beneficial for your daily dose of protein and nutrition.

February 9, 2021 lifehealth foods

Healthy Almond Milk Recipes

We often wonder why people with diabetes choose unsweetened almond milk over regular dairy milk. It is because of the simple reason being that almond milk contains less carbs compared to any other milk. It is the best alternative for diabetics or any person who is on a sugar free/ low carb/ low calorie diet. Even fitness freaks who go to the gym daily in order to build their body consume almond milk protein shakes post their workouts. Almond milk has so many benefits that everyone can and must make it a part of their diet: from 1 year old kids to old, aged people. Following are a few and most important ones:

● Low in calories
● Low in sugar
● High in Vitamin E
● Good source of calcium
● Lactose free

While consuming almond milk in its unsweetened form is the most effective and healthy way, some people prefer flavoured almond milk too. You can have almond milk by itself or use it to prepare other healthy dishes. Given below are some interesting ways in which you can use unsweetened almond milk:

● Peanut Butter Protein Pancakes

What you need:

1. 40 grams rolled oats
2. 100 ml unsweetened almond milk
3. 30 gms peanut butter
4. 15 grams baking powder
5. 2 eggs

How to prepare:

Mix all the dry ingredients separately followed by the wet ingredients. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk thoroughly. Fry the mixture on a pan and top it with your favourite fresh fruits like strawberries, blackberries or blueberries.

● Masala Haldi Badam Milk

Haldi Milk (Turmeric Milk) has various benefits and it is often consumed at night in order to get a peaceful sleep.

What you need:

1. 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk
2. 1 stick of cinnamon
3. 1 tsp of grated fresh ginger
4. A pinch of black pepper
5. ½ tsp of turmeric
6. A pinch of cardamom
7. 1 tbsp of honey

How to prepare:

Add all the ingredients into a saucepan and heat over medium heat. Mix it well. Strain it if required and enjoy!

● Green Smoothie Bowl

What you need:

1. Unsweetened almond milk
2. Spinach
3. Celery
4. Frozen mango
5. Frozen pineapple
6. Greek yogurt
7. Honey
8. Chia seeds
9. Flax seeds

How to prepare:

Blend all the above ingredients in a blender and your base is ready. Top it with some coconut shavings, granola and dark chocolate of your choice.

● Chia Pudding

If you are looking for some breakfast inspiration, then you can’t go wrong with a simple and healthy chia pudding. Chia is a superfood that is high in protein and loaded with health benefits. The following recipe is a chia base to which you can add any favourite toppings of your choice.

What you need:

1. 1.5 cups of unsweetened almond milk
2. ½ cup chia seeds
3. 1 tsp of maple syrup
4. 1 tsp vanilla extract

How to prepare:

In a bowl, mix chia seeds, almond milk and vanilla extract. Cover and leave it overnight in the fridge. Give it a good stir in the morning and it is ready to go. Add maple syrup to sweeten the mixture.

Topping Suggestions: (Optional) – Mint leaves, fresh fruits like banana or strawberries, chopped nuts, greek yogurt, coconut shavings, peanut butter

February 9, 2021 lifehealth foods

Nutrition of Almond Milk

Almonds are a powerhouse of nutrients. They are loaded with good fat, protein, zinc, magnesium & help up in building overall immunity. Consuming badam milk everyday reduces cholesterol, increases hair quality, helps fights wrinkles, helps in weight loss and improves brain activities. Basically, from 1 year old kids to old, aged people, almonds are for everyone. Let’s look at a few important reasons why we need almond milk nutrition in our daily diet:

Note: People with diabetes & women suffering from PCOS or any other hormonal issues must consume almond milk first thing in the morning as including fat in your diet right at the beginning of the day does not spike your insulin immediately.

It is the greatest source of Vitamin E
It is the best alternative for people battling with diabetes as it is low in calories and sugar
It is helpful for pregnant women & lactating mothers too
It is high in protein and magnesium
It is fortified with extra calcium which helps in the formation of bones

It is important to know that consuming raw almonds may trouble your digestive enzymes and interrupt with your nutrition absorption in the body. The nutrients only get activated if they are soaked overnight or at least for 5 hours. That is the right and most efficient way to consume them. Therefore, the demand for almond milk is increasing day by day as almond milk is prepared by blending soaked almonds with water and then straining them. There are a lot of brands online that are selling unsweetened almond milk as well as flavoured almond milk like chocolate almond milk and vanilla almond milk. However, some people still prefer preparing their own almond milk at home as they do not trust the nutritional values of store-bought almond milk. ‘So Good’ is a brand that has been tried, tested and recommended by various nutritionists and its popularity has been growing quite a lot lately. Do head to their website and check out their range of healthy alternatives to dairy milk.