Almond milk: useful properties and uses

Almond milk is a vegetable product that has become a great alternative to cow's milk. It has a whole set of beneficial components for the human body, saturated with minerals and vitamins. In addition, to cook it yourself is not difficult. Although in supermarkets it is sold ready-to-eat. But the homemade product, thanks to spices, can acquire a variety of flavors that satisfy any consumer.

Which milk is healthier: almond or cow milk?

1. Unlike animal products, almond milk does not contain lactose. Lactose is a very strong allergen, and in many people it causes unwanted reactions. With almond milk there will be no such reactions.
2. Cow's milk is a product produced by an animal, so its quality depends on the health of the cow itself. It can contain pathogenic constituents: E. coli, salmonella. Also cow's milk contains cholesterol, while almond milk is free of it.
3. Animal milk contains the protein casein, it is easily digested by children's stomachs, but in adulthood with its digestion there are such unpleasant problems such as bloating, heaviness, heartburn. Plant milk does not contain this protein, so its use will not cause unpleasant feelings from the digestive tract.
4. Almond milk, unlike cow's milk, is unpretentious about storage conditions. It retains its freshness much longer without the low temperatures of the refrigerator. In this case, the taste of almond milk is very similar to animal milk, it can be used in cooking the same way as cow's milk.

Composition and calories

The basis of the almond drink only two main components: water and almonds. For making milk, almonds are used in raw form, without heat treatment, so it retains all the useful substances. The composition of the drink on the basis of 100 grams.

Energy value:

• Protein - 18.6 g
• Fats - 53,7 g
• Carbohydrates - 13 g
• Fiber - 2,5 g
• Caloric value - 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

Micronutrients:

• 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 mg
• Manganese - 1.9 mg
• Copper - 140 micrograms
• Fluorine - 90 micrograms
• Zinc - 2.1 micrograms

Of all vegetable drinks, almond milk has the richest composition. A glass of this product can give energy for a long time and supply the body with vitamins.

What is the use of almond milk

General benefits

Almond milk has been known to the world since the Middle Ages. It was used throughout Europe because of its longer shelf life. At a time when refrigeration, pasteurization and sterilization were still unknown to the world, cow's milk was either consumed immediately as food, or processed into cheese and butter. Almond milk, on the other hand, was preserved longer, and this vegetable product was allowed to be consumed during fasts.

The plant-based product has already gained a very strong foothold on the market. The number of health food advocates, vegans and vegetarians in the world is growing every day. But 15 years ago, soy milk was almost the only alternative to animal milk.

The almond drink entered the U.S. market in 2008 thanks to Blue Diamond Growers. At first, major contracts were signed with stores in places inhabited by Latin Americans, as it is them who are most often lactose intolerant. Simultaneously with the release of milk on the market, almond producers actively begin to sponsor research into the product's health benefits.

They have proved the usefulness of the product. Thanks to the calcium, milk strengthens bones, vitamins and macronutrients regulate muscle strength, and protein helps the body to recover faster. Vitamin D, which almond milk is enriched in the production process, combined with phosphorus regulates blood pressure levels, and the absence of cholesterol in the drink makes it a heart-healthy product.

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

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

For women

Most women are constantly concerned about the problem of extra pounds. Almond milk is a dietary product. Its caloric value is very low, the absence of sugar in the prepared drink will help to reduce weight and in the future not to gain it again. This, of course, does not mean that using only almond milk, you can achieve perfect scores on the scales. In the rest of the diet, you will have to come to certain restrictions and physical activity. But almond milk will enrich the body energetically, provide 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, without burdening it with extra calories and cholesterol.

Also, a rare member of the female sex does not care about the beauty of her nails, hair and skin. Almond milk is rich in vitamin E and in combination with the same fatty acids it gives the skin a healthy shine. Hair and nails with regular consumption of the drink will become strong and healthy. It has also been proven that almond milk strengthens bones and teeth.

For Men

In addition to the fact that the amino acids contained in almonds help maintain a good physical shape, make the muscles and tissues elastic, for men, the almond product is simply magical due to some other properties. In the composition of almond seed there is such a component as arginine. This amino acid is produced by the body in adulthood, 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 blood vessels, including those located in the cavernous bodies of the male penis and is responsible for its blood filling and enlargement, i.e. for an erection.

Also for the male sex drive zinc and selenium are essential for the synthesis of testosterone. It allows the male body to produce quality sperm and reduces the risk of prostatitis, and contained in almonds useful macronutrients contribute to the production of this hormone.

Also, the vitamin E or tocopherol contained in almonds has a direct effect on the male body exactly during sexual intercourse, preventing the oxidation of oxygen until it reaches the cells of the genitals. Therefore, almonds have long been recognized as an aphrodisiac.

In addition, almonds help to increase mental alertness, improve hair growth and quality, thereby preventing baldness, as well as helping to eliminate hangover symptoms.

In Pregnancy.

Almond nuts and a drink based on them contain 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 the position, both in combination with other vitamins and as an independent element. B9 reduces the risk of congenital abnormalities in the child, so even when planning pregnancy, it is shown for both the expectant mother and the father.

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

When breastfeeding

When breastfeeding, it is better to give up almond milk. Breastfeeding is exactly the point at which almond milk is not only bad for you, but it can also be harmful.

In Spain, medics examined a baby who had been fed almond milk-based formula since he was two months old. Unfortunately, in this case, no positive reactions were found. On the contrary, the low amount of vitamin C in the almond milk led to the development of scurvy at 11 months of age. In addition, the child lost the ability to move independently, and again the doctors concluded that this condition was caused by low levels of vitamin C because it interfered with the synthesis of collagen. After therapy aimed at enriching the little patient with vitamins C and D, his condition significantly improved. But doctors have come to the unequivocal conclusion that during the pregnancy and as a breast milk substitute for babies, this drink is not suitable.

For Children

For all the harm of almond milk for babies, for older children the almond drink is very useful. Thanks to its high calcium and vitamin D content, milk will make healthy hair, bones and teeth. However, they should not completely replace cow's milk, unless the child suffers from its intolerance.

With all the wide range of positive characteristics, almond milk has one very significant negative quality, especially for children. The protein content of cow's milk is 16 g per 100 g of product. Almond milk has only 4 grams. Canadian scientists concluded that it is this indicator that affects the growth of the child, so children who consume only plant milk have a low height 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 full of vitamins. Its beneficial effect on the body will allow you to avoid the discomfort caused by food restrictions. Almond drink will cleanse the body of cholesterol. Almond milk is quite possible to replace the more fatty cow's milk.

If you also need to lose a few pounds immediately, you can spend a day on the almond drink with green tea. Such a diet will not only help to instantly remove a little extra weight from the body, but also to detoxify it.

To prepare such a drink, add two tablespoons of loose green tea to 1.5 liters of freshly boiled and slightly cooled almond milk, allow to infuse for 20 minutes, strain and drink during the day.

Such unloading days often can not be arranged, enough two times a month. Together with the drink it is important to drink a lot of purified non-carbonated water, because it has a strong diuretic effect, and the water balance in the body is necessary to maintain.

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

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

Almond milk in medicine

Almonds have been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. Arab healers used it for intestinal diseases and painful urination, pathologies of the upper respiratory tract, asthma. As mentioned above, almonds have a favorable effect on the quantity and quality of the male seed. Nuts are used for ulcers and increased acidity, kidney diseases.

To prepare the milk, you need to soak ½ cup of nuts for 12 hours, after soaking, peel the skins and beat with an immersion blender with a few tablespoons of warm boiled water. Then dilute the resulting mush with 400 ml of water and whip well again. The resulting drink after reaching room temperature should be placed in the refrigerator. It can be drunk, and also used as compresses for tumors of the breast.

On the basis of almond milk is prepared a healing "golden drink", which is indicated for inflammatory processes, for the treatment of diseases of the muscles and joints. To prepare such a drink, 3 cups of fresh almond milk should be combined with 3 tablespoons of turmeric, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of honey, and all components should be well mixed with a blender. At the first symptoms of inflammatory diseases, you should consume 1 cup of such a cocktail a day.

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

Cosmetic applications

No less widely than in medicine, almond milk is also used in cosmetology. Its beneficial substances perfectly purify pores, give elasticity and firmness, struggling with dryness and flabbiness, 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, products for and after shaving, sunscreens.

Considering that almonds are not exotic and quite available product, it is possible to prepare on its basis a variety of cosmetics.

1. To make a tonic for skin care you need to put boiling water on the grains of sweet almonds, peel them, grind in a mortar or coffee grinder and pour warm water so that it covered 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 separate. The top layer - the almond oil - should be carefully collected. The remaining liquid component - almond milk - will be used as a water base for a 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 perfectly cleanses the skin, softens it and provides nutrients.
2. As an emollient for the skin can be used the following composition: 50 grams of sweet almond, pour 0.5 liters of water for a day, then strain and mix with 5 grams of grinded baby soap. The daily use of such a remedy will help to soften the skin and smooth out wrinkles.
3. Another great remedy for the face: grate 15 grams of toilet soap, preferably on a natural basis and without additives, and dilute with 100 ml of water. Place in a water bath and bring until the soap dissolves. Without removing from the bath add 20 grams of beeswax, and stirring constantly, bring until it is completely dissolved. In this mixture, while it is still hot, thinly pour 250 ml of almond milk. Then pour it all into a bottle, shake thoroughly and add 150 grams of vodka. The resulting solution will soften the skin, cleanse and narrow pores.
4. Soaked in cold almond milk cotton pads can be applied to the eyes and eyebrow area - the milk will saturate hair follicles with useful substances, eyelashes and eyebrows will become thick and get a healthy look. Also such compresses will help to get rid of dark circles and puffiness under the eyes.

Health Hazards and Contraindications

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

1. Almond milk, as previously stated, is contraindicated during breastfeeding and for infants.
2. During pregnancy, with rapid weight gain, this product should also be abandoned.
3. Almond milk is contraindicated if you are allergic to nuts.
4. Unripe almonds contain cyanide, which is dangerous for the body, so it is necessary to choose nuts for milk with special care, so that the benefits do not turn into harm.
5. Caution should be exercised when consuming this product and the nuts themselves for 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 it is necessary to choose it with special care. Sugar and its substitutes in almond milk should be as little as possible. In ready-made milk manufacturers often add such a component as carrageenan. This food additive can be harmful, cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, provoke heart attacks. When buying a ready-made product, you need to ensure that it does not contain such an additive.

Usually, almond milk for sale is packaged in a tetrapak package. After opening it can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

Can it be frozen?

Almond milk can be frozen very well. It can be frozen in plastic bottles or bags, if you intend to store it for a long time, and in ice molds, if freezing is just for convenience - these cubes are then added to coffee or tea.

How to make almond milk at home

Making almond milk at home is very simple. It does not require special culinary skills and experience in the haute cuisine.

It is necessary to soak 60 grams of almonds, necessarily raw, in purified or distilled water at room temperature for at least 8 hours. After draining the water, peel the nuts and beat them with an immersion blender with 250 ml of purified drinking water until homogeneous. Next, a variety of 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 add sweetness to the drink.
3. Vanilla or cinnamon will add spice.
4. Honey will replace sugar and sweeten the milk.

What you can make with almond milk

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

Raw buckwheat porridge

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

Pearl porridge

Soak 200 g of pearl millet in water for 10 hours. After rinsing, pour 2 cups of almond milk and put on the fire. When the milk boils, season the porridge with salt and sugar and cook for another 20-30 minutes until tender. Then add 20 grams of butter and turn off the fire, cover the pot with a towel for another 1 hour. Before serving garnish with nuts or fruit.

Porridge

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

Oatmeal Pancakes

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

Heat a frying pan and grease with coconut oil. Spoon the mixture onto the pan and fry both sides.

These pancakes look 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 homogeneous. Bake the pancakes on a hot frying pan greased with vegetable oil. Serve ready pancakes with dried fruits (raisins, prunes, apricots, dates), you can pour maple syrup.

Banana and strawberry ice cream

Freeze 3 ripe bananas in the freezer for at least one day. Rinse and peel 150 g of strawberries. Mix the berries, bananas and 2 tablespoons of almond milk with an immersion blender until smooth. Spread the ice cream in a bowl and serve at once.

Cappuccino & Latte

Pour the raw almonds over boiling water for a few hours, then remove the skins, add purified water at a ratio of 1 to 3 and whisk with a blender. Strain through gauze. The liquid - almond milk - can be used to make coffee drinks in any acceptable way, whether cappuccino or latte.

The cake from the pressing process can be used as flour for making cookies.

Can almond milk be boiled?

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

Interesting facts about almonds

1. Although almonds are commonly thought of as a nut, they are not. They are the fruit of a tree in the Plum family of the Pink family.
2. Almond shells are used to make activated charcoal.
3. The Amaretto liqueur, famous all over the world, is based on almonds.
4. Almond milk is the basis for the world-famous blamange dessert.
5. The fatty almond oil is used as a solvent for hypodermic injections.
6. February 16 is the Day of the Blossoming Almond Tree.
7. In China, almonds have become a symbol of prosperity, in Israel - of immortality.
8. According to the Moroccan Dream Book, a blooming almond in a dream indicates the imminent fulfillment of a cherished wish.
9. Almonds in some countries are even smoked, so you can find smoked almonds in supermarkets.

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