Almonds are a powerhouse of nutrition, and a healthy and versatile ingredient to cook with during these summer months! This was demonstrated in an interactive and fun afternoon celebrating health and good taste in Chennai today as eminent Nutritionist Dr.Dharini Krishnan came together with renowned Chef D. Girija to talk about the multiple health benefits of almonds at Hotel GRT Grand, Chennai. The dynamic chef showcased the usability of the nut of good health, in a live cooking demonstration of easy snacking recipes based on almonds, and delicious ways of incorporating the nut in one’s daily diet. The eminent dietician bust myths regarding the consumption of almonds during hot summer months, and shed light on their anti-oxidant and heart-healthy qualities, their role in managing weight, diabetes and overall wellbeing as demonstrated by international research.
Consumers all over the world enjoy California Almonds as a natural, wholesome and quality food product, making almonds California’s leading agricultural export in terms of value. The Almond Board of California promotes almonds through its research-based approach to all aspects of marketing, farming and production on behalf of the more than 6,000 California Almond growers and processors, many of whom are multi-generational family operations. Established in 1950 and based in Modesto, California, the Almond Board of California is a non-profit organization that administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture.
Dr.Dharini Krishnan, consultant Dietician said, “Each one of us remembers being told by our elders to consume almonds but lack the accurate knowledge about the health benefits it possesses. We encourage regular consumption of almonds, throughout the year to our clients, to snack on them when they feel hungry between meals, or start their mornings with almonds. About one handful of almonds contains 6 grams of protein, is cholesterol free and all this in a mere 138 calories. While it gives you a ‘full’ and satiated feeling, it also helps keep you away from unhealthy options. Almonds are heart-healthy and are also high in nutrients like vitamin E, protein, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, and riboflavin and have pre-biotic and anti-oxidation qualities. Also, one serving of these nuts contains 13 grams of good or unsaturated fats and just 1 gram of saturated fat.”
“A lot of our clients also express concern about consuming nuts in summers. However, there are no studies that indicate any ‘heat generating’ effect of almonds and hence are beneficial to be consumed throughout the year”, added Dr.Dharini Krishnan.
Chef D. Girija, CEO Prompt Facilities, who whipped up two delectable and easy-to-make almond-based recipes in a matter of moments, added, “I am extremely thrilled to be part of this occasion as I simply love cooking with almonds. They can be had whole or sliced, diced, blanched, flavoured, added to deserts, gravies, salads and even in smoothies and shakes to beat the summer heat. In my experience, I have often felt that the versatility of almonds have not been explored to the fullest when it comes to cooking with them. This afternoon gives me a perfect opportunity to showcase some easy almond based recipes that can be prepared and enjoyed by all.”
According to a health claim by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2003, scientific evidence suggests, but does not prove, that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, such as almonds, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.
A handful of almonds a day are also easy to include in one’s diet and can be a perfect snacking option to make your evenings exciting. So go ahead and give your family the goodness of almonds every day!
