Can a child have almond milk. Almond milk. What is almond milk: taste, composition, calories

Almond milk is safe for most babies, but should not be used as a substitute for breast milk or baby food.

For vegans and lactose intolerant people, almond milk can be a good alternative to cow's milk, but how good is this product for newborns and babies, because they have different nutritional needs than adults?

Most pediatricians advise breastfeeding children under 1 year of age or, if there is no breast milk, give baby food, and include other types of milk, such as almond or cow's milk, in the diet only after the baby's first birthday. According to experts, almond milk is safe for most babies, but it should not be used as a substitute for breast milk or baby food, as they contain elements necessary for the development of the child.

In some cases, almond milk can be a healthier alternative to cow's milk, but it's worth remembering that the nutritional value of these products is significantly different. For example, one cup of cow's milk contains 8 g of fat, which is necessary for the development of the brain of an infant, and 8 g of protein, while the same volume of almond milk contains only 2.5 g of fat and 1 g of protein. However, cow's milk can be replaced with almond milk in a child's diet if he receives the required amount of nutrients from other sources.

For comparison, a cup of cow's milk contains 276 mg of calcium, 322 mg of potassium, 205 mg of phosphorus, 105 mg of sodium, 395 IU (international units) of vitamin A, 124 IU of vitamin D. A similar volume of unsweetened almond milk contains 482 mg of calcium, 176 mg potassium, 24 mg phosphorus, 189 mg sodium, 499 IU vitamin A, 101 IU vitamin D.

In addition, cow's milk has a higher concentration of natural sugars. When buying almond milk, you should pay attention to its label; many manufacturers may add a large amount of sugar, thickeners and flavor enhancers to their products, which poses a risk to the child. Before including almond milk in your baby's diet, you should consult a pediatrician.

If almond milk is not suitable for any reason, there are other types of plant-based milk, such as coconut, rice, hemp, oat, soy and nut (from hazelnuts). Some infants may develop an allergic reaction to nut milk, so a doctor should be consulted before introducing it into the diet. If there have been cases of allergy to nuts in the family, it is better to refuse such milk.

This milk is well suited for those who are intolerant of lactose in cow's milk.
Almond milk is very tasty and healthy. It is recommended to drink it not only for children with allergies, but for all healthy children.

Almonds are considered a very healthy nut, high in calcium, essential fatty acids, vitamins B and E, phosphorus, zinc and iron. By making milk from this nut, you get a tasty, satisfying, cholesterol-free vitamin drink. But all this is true if you use exactly RAW almonds, since after heat treatment, some of the benefits are lost.

Another plus of almond milk is that all the useful substances contained in it are very well absorbed: protein by 85%, carbohydrates by 90%, fat by 95%.
Of the minuses, I can only note that without a sweetener, milk tastes bland and is unlikely to please the child. But adding a spoonful of honey to it, it will immediately change and become delicious.

Almond milk recipe for kids:

1. Rinse a glass of raw almonds and pour 3 glasses of water. Use bottled or filtered water. Leave overnight.

2. In the morning you will see that the almonds are nourished and have increased in size. He also became softer. Drain this water, it will no longer be useful.

3. Place the almonds in the blender jug ​​and add new water. If your bowl size allows, you can immediately pour in 3 cups of purified water. If not, then add one for now.

4. At high speed, grind the nuts into a powder, while the water will turn a thick white color. Almond milk is almost ready.

5. So that small grains do not come across in milk, strain it through cheesecloth folded in two and squeeze all the juices out of it well. At the same step, if you added less than 3 cups of water, you can add the missing part and mix.

6. Flavor the finished almond milk with honey or maple syrup. If the honey does not mix well, mix the milk with honey again with a blender.

Many connoisseurs of natural products have discovered such a healthy and tasty drink as almond. With its help, you can not only make up for the lack of vitamins and minerals, but also cure some diseases, reduce weight. What is contained in almond milk and are there any contraindications to its use?
Content:

What is almond milk: taste, composition, calories

Almond milk is not in vain considered a dietary product, the energy value of 100 g of the drink (without additives) does not exceed 70 kcal. Most of the drink is made up of unsaturated fats - 5.9 g, carbohydrates are contained in an amount of 3.1 g, and proteins 2.15 g.

Almond milk contains:

• Vitamins of groups B, A, C, D, PP and E
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Iron
• Manganese

Almond milk is a plant product. It is a great dairy alternative for those who are lactose intolerant. If we compare it with milk from soy, wheat and poppy seeds, then the almond drink wins significantly in terms of its taste.

Almond milk has a neutral nutty flavor, which allows you to add it to tea, coffee, cereals, smoothies and various desserts.

Almond milk is a dietary product and contains many vitamins and minerals.

Benefits of almond milk

An almond drink can completely replace cow's milk, because it is no less useful. It is an indispensable product for vegetarians and people who are lactose intolerant. In addition, it can be consumed during fasting.

Just one glass of the drink can satisfy hunger and can compensate for the lack of vitamin E by 50%, vitamin D by 25% and calcium by 30%.

The glycemic index of the product is quite low, it does not affect blood sugar levels. That is why it is so popular among athletes and people who watch their weight.

The benefits of almond milk are simply enormous, its regular use:

• Helps strengthen and develop muscle tissue
• Keeps the mind active, strengthens memory
• Cleanses the body of harmful
• Helps normalize the production of gastric juice
• Relieves headaches
• Has a positive effect on vision
• Helps strengthen hair and nails
• Improves skin condition by protecting it from harmful radiation
• Positive effect on male potency
• Has a mild laxative effect
• Helps improve sleep
• Normalizes pressure
• Strengthens bones

In addition, the drink is used to prevent diabetes, heart disease, asthma, arthritis and osteoporosis.

Almond milk is a natural healthy product that has a positive effect on human health.

Can you give almond milk to children?

Many children, just like adults, cannot consume dairy products due to the characteristics of the body. Can they be replaced with almond milk? Of course yes! It does not contain lactose, and if the child does not have a nut allergy, then it can be safely introduced into the diet.

Almond drink can be used to make baby cereals or used as an independent type of feeding. In addition, it can be used to prepare yogurt by adding a special starter. And, although the taste of the dish is quite specific, this allows you to get useful prebiotics.

Already after 2 weeks of drinking almond milk, the child improves, the stool normalizes, and skin rashes decrease. This product should be introduced, like any complementary foods, at the age of 6-8 months. You do not need to immediately give a large volume, a single dose should increase gradually, starting with one teaspoon.

For a drink made from almond kernels to bring maximum benefit, its consumption should be limited to 200 ml per day. It is important to understand that almond milk is not able to replace good nutrition, the child must receive nutrients from other sources.

Almond milk does not contain lactose and, in the absence of an allergic reaction to almonds, can be introduced into the child's diet from 6 months.

Harm of milk from almonds

Milk from unripe, bitter almonds can harm the body. This is fraught with poisoning, so you need to choose the main ingredient with all responsibility. In addition, almonds are a very strong allergen. Before enjoying a drink made from nuts, it is important to make sure that there is no allergic reaction.

And of course, excessive consumption of almond milk will not bring benefits and may adversely affect well-being. Possible reactions are:

• Light drug addiction
• overexcitation
• Heart rhythm disorder

When using milk from almonds, it is necessary to observe the measure, otherwise discomfort may occur.

Homemade almond milk

In developed countries, almond milk is quite common, you can buy it in any supermarket. However, a Tetra Pak product often contains a lot of preservatives and not very useful additives. Therefore, real gourmets prefer to prepare this delicious drink on their own.

To prepare a glass of milk you will need:

• Handful of almond kernels
• A glass of warm boiled water
• Sweetener to taste (honey, vanilla, etc.)

To begin with, the almonds should be soaked by filling it with water in a ratio of 1 to 3 for 12 hours. During this time, the nuts will soak and swell.

Then you need to remove the skin from the nuts. To do this, pour them with boiling water and let stand for 15 minutes.

After mixing the peeled almond kernels with a glass of warm boiled water, you can start grinding them with a blender. It is best to do this in several sets of 10-15 minutes.

When the drink becomes a rich white color, the nuts should be squeezed out. For this, gauze folded in 5-6 layers or ordinary linen fabric is suitable.
The drink is ready. If desired, it can be sweetened with honey, vanilla, add cinnamon or other additives to taste.

Store almond milk in a cool place for no more than 4 days.

In addition, true connoisseurs of this delicacy know some of the secrets of its preparation:

• If the blender is an old model and does not have much power, you need to scroll the nuts through a meat grinder and only then start grinding.
• In the absence of technology, a drink can be made from almond flour by buying it in a supermarket or making it yourself using a coffee grinder.
• To give the milk a creamy color and a richer nutty flavor, lightly roasted almonds along with the skins should be used for cooking.
• You can give a special piquancy to the drink by chopping nuts along with dates, dried apricots or bananas.

No need to rush and throw away the leftovers after making milk. Nut crumbs are useful for making sweets, cookies or salad.
Making almond milk is pretty easy, all you need is some nuts and water on hand, and a few tips on how to make it.

3 best recipes using almond milk

In the case when the drink is prepared in large quantities and its shelf life is coming to an end, or you just want to try something new, you can make some delicious desserts.

Smoothies. Place 1 small banana in a glass of milk and grind with a blender. When the mixture becomes homogeneous, add 3-4 tablespoons of ice cream and beat thoroughly.

Panna cotta. Mix a glass of cream and almond milk in a ratio of 1 to 1, add vanilla sugar. Bring the resulting mixture to a boil over low heat (but do not boil), and add gelatin according to package instructions. Pour the resulting mixture into molds and refrigerate for 3-4 hours. Garnish with shredded coconut, jam or fruit smoothie as desired.

Soup. Separately boil 50 g of rice. Put almond milk on a slow fire, add rice, a little salt and sugar, and boil for 5-7 minutes. After the soup has cooled down a bit, add a cube of butter and a handful of raisins.

Milk from almonds can give dishes a special sophistication.

While watching the video, you will learn about the almond milk recipe.

It is always interesting to try something new, especially if it is healthy and tasty. Almond is a natural vitamin cocktail that you can prepare yourself. Just a glass of the drink can significantly improve the state of health, but it is still not worth abusing it.

Composition of almond milk

Such milk is made from crushed almond kernels and water. It turns out a drink with a delicate taste and a rich chemical composition, which contains:

• proteins;
• carbohydrates;
• fats;
• vitamins A, C, E, group B;
• macro- and microelements - potassium and calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, chlorine, sulfur;
• flavonoids;
• antioxidants.

Unlike cow's milk, almond milk does not contain cholesterol and lactose, to which many develop intolerance. This product is lower in calories and saturated fat. However, the protein content of milk is also lower.

Almond milk is very low in calories as it contains only 39 calories per cup (240 ml). It also contains various nutrients.

One cup (240 ml) of commercial almond milk contains (5):

• Calories: 39 kcal
• Fat: 3 grams
• Protein: 1 gram
• Carbs: 3.5 grams
• Fiber: 0.5 grams
• Calcium: 24% of the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI)
• Potassium: 4% of the RDI
• Vitamin D: 18% of the RDI
• Vitamin E: 110% of the RDI

Almond milk is an excellent and natural source of vitamin E, which is a fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect your body from free radical damage (6).

Some varieties are fortified with calcium and vitamin D, which are important nutrients for bone health. Homemade almond milk is not a good source of these nutrients (7, 8).

Finally, almond milk is low in protein—1 cup (240 ml) contains only 1 gram (5).

Can almond milk replace formula or even breast milk?

Research has proven that almond milk improves health. The product has positive effects in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract - with peptic ulcer, gastritis, colitis. Almond milk also helps to restore damaged mucous membranes, improves intestinal motility and restores its microflora. The result is constipation and bloating.

The bioactive substances that make up plant milk strengthen the body's defenses. With regular use of an almond drink, resistance to viruses increases, a person is less likely to get flu and acute respiratory infections, recover faster with a mild cold.

Due to the absence of cholesterol, almond milk has a positive effect on the circulatory system. The drink promotes the removal of plaques and prevents atherosclerosis, varicose veins, thrombophlebitis.

For women

Nuts are high in calories, but milk made from them is a dietary product that helps women lose weight or maintain their current weight. In one cup of almond milk, there are about 60 kcal versus 146 kcal in the same amount of cow milk.

The product helps to maintain youth, has a positive effect on appearance:

1. Thanks to the content of vitamins A and E, almond milk improves skin condition, reduces the severity of wrinkles, and slows down aging. The product also minimizes the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation when relaxing on the beach and visiting solariums.
2. A large amount of natural antioxidants tocopherol and retinol in almond drink increase the production of collagen, which is responsible for the elasticity and youthfulness of the skin.
3. The abundance of B vitamins in milk stimulates hair growth, makes them stronger and thicker.

For men

Almond milk also benefits men. The drink helps build muscle, so it is in demand among athletes and those who just work out in the gym.

This effect provides a sufficiently high content of iron in milk, which improves the supply of muscle fibers with oxygen. This is important for long workouts. Almond milk also contains vitamin B2 and riboflavin, which is involved in protein synthesis.

For kids

Many children develop lactose intolerance, which makes them unable to drink cow's milk. It can be replaced with an almond drink - provided that the child is not allergic to nuts.

You can introduce milk into the children's diet from the age of 6-8 months, like any complementary foods. At first, you need to give the product little by little - a teaspoon, gradually increasing the amount. After a couple of weeks, the child's sleep will improve and the stool will normalize.

Attention! Almond milk does not provide complete nutrition, so the child must receive nutrients from other products. The norm for using the product is no more than 200 ml, or a cup per day.

During pregnancy

For pregnant women, almond milk is an additional source of calcium and vitamin A, which prevents the threat of miscarriage. Folic acid contained in the product is necessary for the growth and development of the fetus.

Its sufficient amount in the mother's body is especially important in the first trimester, when the tissues and organs of the unborn child are being laid. Deficiency of the substance is fraught with premature detachment of the placenta, preeclampsia and other complications of pregnancy.

Almond milk is well absorbed. Therefore, the inclusion of the product in the diet of a nursing mother has a positive effect on the child:

• participates in the formation of muscles, teeth and bones;
• ensures the correct development of vision;
• strengthens the immune system;
• normalizes digestion.

You need to start drinking milk with small doses, monitoring the reaction of the baby. If he shows signs of an allergy, the product should be discarded immediately.

Almond milk has long been used for face and body care, and is included in many cosmetic products for the skin. The homemade product can be used as a cleanser or lotion.

Almond milk normalizes metabolism and restores the skin, softening it, cleansing, increasing firmness and elasticity. The product helps to heal sunburn - for this it is enough to lubricate the affected areas.

Warning! Almond milk has a slight whitening effect. Do not use it if you need to maintain a tan.

You can use the product as a hair conditioner before washing and add it to masks. The product will help get rid of dandruff and itching, strengthen the hair and give a beautiful shine.

Almond milk can not be found in every store, and manufacturers often add preservatives. Therefore, it is better to prepare a drink with your own hands. It is not difficult, and you will need a few ingredients: almond kernels, water, if desired - honey, vanillin or other sweetener.

How to make almond milk at home:

1. Pour the nuts with water in a ratio of 1: 3 and leave overnight to soak and swell.
2. Scald the almonds with boiling water, wait 15 minutes and remove the skin - it will come off easily after the manipulations. To make almond milk a pleasant creamy shade, you need to lightly roast the nuts and use them together with the peel.
3. Pour the kernels with a glass of water and grind in a blender, preferably in several approaches for 10-15 minutes. To add spicy notes to the drink, you can mix raw materials with dates, bananas or dried apricots.
4. When the color becomes saturated, wrap the nuts in several layers of gauze and squeeze. You can sweeten with honey or vanilla, add cinnamon.

Advice! Do not throw away leftover almonds after making milk. Nut crumbs can be used as an ingredient for sweets, cookies, salads.

When choosing almond milk in the store, you need to check the expiration date and integrity of the package, as well as carefully study the composition. Manufacturers add preservatives, sweeteners to the product - the less of them, the healthier.

MORE ABOUT: Furuncle on the pope and its treatment

If carrageenan is present in the composition of almond milk, it is better not to take such a drink. This supplement can cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, exacerbate stomach ulcers and some heart conditions.

Homemade almond milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1.5 days. It sours more slowly than cow's, so you can give it to your child with you to school, take it with you to training.

Almonds are available in two forms - sweet almond and bitter almond. Sweet almond is a popular almond variety. Almond oil is an extract of sweet almonds. Bitter almond kernels are also a common kitchen ingredient. Unlike what the name suggests, it is not bitter and you can easily consume it.

Once your doctor gives you go ahead, you can introduce your child to the goodness of almonds. It is always advisable to soak almonds overnight in water. Peel off the outer skin in the morning and crush it into small pieces.

Adding almonds to your baby's milk will increase its nutritional value. It's also a good way to make your fussy baby drink milk. If your child is lactose intolerant, you can also add almonds to soy milk.

You will need:

1. almond
2. Milk
3. Oats (optional)
4. Sugar (optional) – you can add other ingredients such as jaggery sweeteners or dates after checking with your child's doctor
5. Saffron (optional)
6. Cardamom powder (optional)

Soak almonds in water overnight

1. In the morning, the skin is flaky.Place them in a blender along with some milk.Blend it to a smooth consistency.
2. In a saucepan, add milk and bring to a boil over low to medium heat.You can also add boiled oats to make this a complete meal.
3. Add saffron, sugar and cardamom powder and stir.
4. Add almond paste and stir. Remove from fire.
5. Strain the milk through a sieve to remove any thick particles.

Now you know how to make almond milk for kids at home. So why wait? Go ahead and make this healthy and delicious treat to pamper your precious baby now!

Sella Suroso is a certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist who is very passionate about providing the highest level of care to her patients and, through patient education, empowering women to take control of their health and well-being. Sella Suroso earned her undergraduate and medical diploma with honors from Gadjah Mada University. She then completed residency training at RSUP Sarjito.

Almond milk is made from finely ground almonds and added with other ingredients such as water, thickener, sweetener, and vanilla flavor. Many manufacturers also add nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin D and calcium.

Some parents may give almond milk to children who are lactose intolerant or have to avoid milk for other reasons.

Babies can drink almond milk after it for more than 12 months because the digestion has begun to mature and is ready to accept different types of food. Your baby can drink almond milk once or twice a day while breastfeeding or other foods.

Avoid giving too much almond milk because it consumes excess fat and the iron requirement may be less. This condition can cause anemia in children.

Almond milk may be a safe nutrient for babies, but still nothing beats the nutrients in formula, let alone the nutrients in breast milk.

This means that you cannot use almond milk as a substitute for breast milk and formula milk. Because babies who are still developing need special vitamins and nutrients that are provided by breast milk or formula.

homemade almond milk recipe

Rich in Vitamin E

Almonds are a great source of vitamin E, which is a fat-soluble vitamin important in protecting your cells from free radical damage (9).

Vitamin E promotes eye and skin health and may play a role in protecting against diseases such as cardiovascular disease (10, 11, 12).

One cup (240 ml) of commercial almond milk provides 110% of the RDA for vitamin E, making it an easy and affordable way to meet your daily needs for this nutrient (5).

Most people eat too much sugar in the form of desserts, drinks, and sweeteners. So, consuming low-sugar foods and drinks can help you manage your weight and reduce your risk of certain chronic diseases (13, 14).

Many plant milks are flavored and sweetened. In fact, 1 cup (240 ml) of chocolate-flavored almond milk can contain up to 21 grams of added sugar—more than 5 teaspoons (15).

If you're trying to limit your sugar intake, unsweetened almond milk is a great choice. It is naturally low in sugar—only 2 grams per cup (240 ml) (5).

Contains little protein

Almond milk contains just 1 gram of protein per cup (240 ml), while cow and soy milk contain 8 and 7 grams, respectively (16, 17).

Protein is essential for many bodily functions, including muscle growth, skin and bone structure, and enzyme and hormone production (18, 19, 20).

Many non-dairy and plant foods are high in protein. These include beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, tofu, tempeh, and hemp seeds.

MORE ABOUT: Why does thrush appear before menstruation

If you're not avoiding animal products, eggs, fish, chicken, and beef are great sources of protein (21).

Children under 1 year of age should not drink cow's or plant-based milk, as they may interfere with iron absorption. Until the age of 4–6 months, the baby should receive nutrients exclusively from mother's milk or from infant formula (22).

At 6 months of age, offer your baby water as a healthy drink in addition to breast milk or formula. After 1 year, cow's milk can be included in your baby's diet (22).

With the exception of soy milk, plant-based drinks are naturally low in protein, fat, calories, and many vitamins and minerals such as iron, vitamin D, and calcium. These nutrients are essential for growth and development (23, 24).

Almond milk contains only 39 calories, 3 grams of fat and 1 gram of protein per cup (240 ml). This is not enough for a growing child (5, 24).

If you don't want your baby to drink cow's milk, continue breastfeeding or talk to your doctor about the best non-dairy formula (23).

Processed almond milk can contain many additives such as sugar, salt, resins, flavors, as well as lecithin and carrageenan (types of emulsifiers).

Some ingredients such as emulsifiers and resins are used to improve texture and consistency. They are safe unless consumed in extremely large amounts (25).

However, one test-tube study found that carrageenan, which is commonly added to almond milk as an emulsifier and is considered safe, can impair gut health.

However, many companies avoid this supplement altogether due to these concerns.

In addition, many flavored and sweetened almond milks are high in sugar. Too much sugar can increase your risk of weight gain, tooth decay and other chronic diseases (13, 14, 27).

To avoid this, opt for unsweetened almond milk.

Like any other product, almond milk has its downsides. It is not recommended to give it to infants, since at this age allergic reactions to nuts occur more often and are more dangerous.

You should buy only high-quality nut milk and from trusted manufacturers that do not allow carrageenan to be added to the drink. The presence in the composition of a dietary supplement, which is made from red algae, can adversely affect the state of the gastrointestinal tract, cause irritation of the gastric mucosa and provoke peptic ulcer.

So, in order to make the most healthy milk drink from nuts with your own hands, you will need the following products:

• 60-70 g of almonds;
• 250 ml of pure water;
• a couple of small dates;
• a pinch of sea salt.

You need to soak the nuts in cold water for eight hours in advance. When the almonds swell and infuse, the water must be drained, and the nuts should be transferred to a blender. It is recommended to beat them with clean filtered water.

For sweetness, you can put a couple more dates, removing the seeds from them first. Experienced housewives say that it is the addition of dates that makes almond milk similar in sweetness to cow's milk. Again, carefully beat the mass. We put it in cheesecloth and squeeze it well.

We examined what almond milk is (benefits and harms). How to make a drink at home? There are a lot of opinions and recipes. Some say that the skin does not interfere with the preparation of milk at all.

Others argue that it should be removed before grinding, as it adds bitterness. There are housewives who use exclusively filtered water for cooking. There are those who improvise by adding carbonated mineral water.

During pregnancy

Almonds are a strong allergen, so milk from them should not be consumed if you are intolerant to nuts. With excessive use, a number of side effects are possible:

• dizziness;
• overexcitation;
• violation of the heart rhythm;
• in diseases of the thyroid gland - the development of goiter.

Newborn almond milk is not able to replace breast milk. It can be introduced into the diet only with complementary foods. Store-bought milk contains sugar, so if you have diabetes and are overweight, you need to be careful.

Useful properties for the figure

Almonds contain various nutrients that help your child's brain health and development, as well as increase intelligence. the fact is that the composition contains riboflavin and L-carnitine, which will help increase the activity of the child's brain. It will also prevent the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease in later years.

Whole nuts for breakfast or almond milk? The benefits and harms of seemingly similar products vary greatly. If nuts are simply contraindicated for a losing weight body in large doses, then milk, on the contrary, can greatly contribute to the normalization and regulation of weight.

One glass of drink contains about sixty kilocalories. This is an order of magnitude less than in cow's milk, as well as carbonated drinks, sweet tea or 3 in 1 coffee, which is so popular among lovers of a snack on the run.

Application in cooking

You can just drink almond milk or use it in the preparation of various dishes - not only sweet, but also salty:

• baking;
• ice cream;
• milk porridge;
• almond cheese;
• smoothies and yogurts;
• salads;
• creamy soups;
• snacks.

Almond milk is an easy substitute for cow's milk in any recipe. The remains of nuts are added to the same dishes, and they also make delicious bread, cakes, and muffins.

You can whip up a banana smoothie with almond milk and flax seeds.

Ingredients for two servings:

• 2 bananas;
• 5 st. l soaked flaxseeds;
• 2 tbsp. l almond milk;
• 3 art. l honey.

Seeds should be poured with a glass of water and left overnight in the refrigerator. In the morning, drain the water from them and grind in a blender. Then add the rest of the ingredients and beat again.

Advice! Banana almond milk smoothie is a great snack that quenches your thirst and satisfies your sweet cravings. The drink is delicious and low-calorie, so you can not be afraid for the figure.

Another delicious and healthy almond milk recipe is blancmange with berry coulis sauce.

Ingredients:

• a glass of almond milk;
• 200 g raspberries;
• 2 tbsp. l sugar;
• vanilla pod;
• 1 tsp agar agar;
• powdered sugar.

Pour the almond milk into a saucepan, add the vanilla pod, bring to a boil and turn off the stove. Add agar-agar, mix, arrange in molds and refrigerate. To prepare the coulis sauce, rub the raspberries, add powdered sugar to them and cool. Then add to blancmange - you get a low-fat and moderately sweet dessert.

For the bones

Almond milk, the benefits and harms of which are still a controversial issue, is a drug for those who have problems with the skeletal system. Doctors recommend drinking this drink for the elderly, as well as pregnant women and children who also need a significant dose of calcium. One cup of milk contains your daily requirement of calcium and half of your daily requirement of vitamin D.

MORE ABOUT: Researchers link vitamin D deficiency to seasonal affective disorder

By the way, calcium and a set of vitamins not only strengthen bones and teeth, but also have a positive effect on the immune system, make the body stronger and more resistant to viral diseases.

Almond milk: benefits and harms, recipes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (280 grams) soaked almonds
• 4 cups (1 liter) water
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract (optional)

Soak almonds in water overnight and drain before using. Add the almonds, water, and vanilla to a blender and blend for 1 to 2 minutes until the water is cloudy and the almonds are finely ground.

Pour the mixture into a strainer, which is placed over the bowl and lined with cheesecloth. Be sure to squeeze out the mixture to extract as much liquid as possible. You should get about 4 cups (1 liter) of almond milk.

Place the liquid in a container and store in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.

For skin

Vitamins E and A are extremely useful for the skin, they are also part of a product such as almond milk. The benefits and harms of these trace elements are a topic discussed in the scientific community.

Studies show that in moderation, a set of these vitamins is extremely beneficial for the skin. Therefore, drinking almond milk, which contains vitamins A and E, improves skin condition, reduces the formation of deep wrinkles and slows down aging.

For the stomach

It has been proven that this drink has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the digestive tract. Thanks to the fiber it contains, nut milk reduces pain from ulcers and gastritis, normalizes acidity, and even relieves discomfort after surgical interventions and probing.

Due to the fact that almond milk is lactose-free, it becomes the best alternative to cow's milk. As you know, many cannot afford to use it, because after that problems with the stomach and intestines immediately begin.

Selecting and storing almond milk

• low sugar or unsweetened milk
• milk is fortified with calcium and vitamins A and D
• children consume other fats and proteins

Also, ask your pediatrician about additional ingredients in almond milk, such as flavors and thickener.

It is also important to find out if your child has a peanut allergy. If he is allergic to peanuts, you should avoid peanuts altogether and check with your pediatrician before giving infant milk to a baby.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of almond milk come down to the fact that it is a worthy alternative to cow's milk, but there is a risk of an allergic reaction. The drink normalizes the functions of the stomach and intestines, improves the condition of the skin and hair.

The product is low-calorie, does not contain lactose and cholesterol. You can replace cow's milk with almond milk in any recipes, add it to coffee, tea and drink it in its pure form. Many people like the soft nutty flavor and light texture.

Do not use almond milk if you are allergic to nuts and drink more than 200 g per day. Although the drink benefits lactose intolerant children, care should be taken when introducing it into a child's diet.

Hello dear readers! Always glad to meet you on the pages of my blog!

Today, one of the favorite topics for those who are fond of healthy, live food and for those who have no idea how you can live without cow's milk, namely, m indal milk benefits and harms.

Chemical composition and application of almonds

Almond fruits have a very rich chemical composition:

• vitamins - A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, C, D, E;
• macroelements - potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium;
• trace elements - iron, iodine, manganese, copper, fluorine, zinc;
• fatty acids - Omega 3,6,9, etc.

100 g of almonds contain:

• proteins - 18.6 g
• fats - 57.7 g
• carbohydrates - 13.6
• fiber - 2.5 g
• ash -3.6 g
• water - 4 g

The calorie content of 100 g of the product is about 645 kcal.

The unique beneficial properties of almonds are determined by its chemical composition. Avicenna also described this amazing medicinal fruit.

Almond oil is used in medicine, pharmacology, cosmetology. Almond kernels are used in cooking, winemaking, confectionery and to obtain almond milk.

Almond milk is obtained from raw fruits (without heat treatment), so its chemical composition is the same as that of the almond itself.

Why make and drink almond milk?

Almond milk is a traditional animal milk substitute, especially for fasting people, vegetarians and raw foodists. This drink has nothing to do with animal milk and is called milk only because of its color and milk-like taste. For many centuries, the Spaniards have been preparing a vegetable milk drink “horchata” from the fruits of almonds. The French prefer "orchada" - a mixture of almond milk and orange water.

Currently, almond milk has become popular in many countries around the world and is sold in supermarkets. It is an analogue of cow's milk, but it does not contain lactose and cholesterol.

Almond milk is a delicious, nutritious drink that has the following health benefits:

1. The absence of lactose in this milk and a sufficiently high fiber content ensures the normal functioning of the digestive system.
2. The high content of omega fatty acids, low sodium levels and the absence of cholesterol gives elasticity to blood vessels, relieves inflammation in blood vessels, dissolves cholesterol plaques, which helps to normalize high blood pressure, and also prevents diseases of the cardiovascular system
3. The presence of vitamins B5, antioxidants (E, C) helps to strengthen the immune system and prevents the development of cancer
4. The low percentage of carbohydrates does not affect the increase in blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of developing diabetes.
5. High content of calcium and vitamin D contributes to the health of the skeletal system
6. Moderate levels of vitamin A improve vision
7. For pregnant women, the presence of folic acid (vitamin B9) in almond milk prevents abnormalities in the development of the fetus, calcium and vitamin D form a strong skeletal system of the child. Face masks from this milk, due to the presence of vitamin E, protect the skin from external negative influences, nourish it at the cellular level, make it clean and beautiful.
8. Almond milk improves cell regeneration, prevents premature aging and promotes weight loss, as its calorie content is only 51 kcal.
9. The iron contained in almond milk, vitamin A and the entire group of B vitamins contribute to the development of muscle tissue in men, restore potency, and also prevent and treat prostate cancer.
10. The richest composition of almond milk promotes the production of enzymes, hormones, helps with anemia, stimulates the brain.

Almond milk has a long shelf life. From it you can cook: cereals, smoothies, cocktails, sauces, desserts, dressings for soups. It can be added to coffee, tea, but it is most useful to use it raw.

Manufacturers of almond milk often use various additives that are not always popular with customers. Therefore, it is best to prepare this milk with your own hands.

How to make almond milk at home?

To prepare almond milk, you need to choose fresh nuts with a pleasant nutty aroma and a sweetish taste. In no case do not buy green and bitter-tasting almonds - they contain toxic substances.

Ingredients:

• almonds - 1 cup
• purified water - 3 cups.

For swelling, high-quality almonds must be poured overnight (for 8-12 hours) with water at room temperature so that the water covers the nuts 2-3 cm above their level.

In the morning, drain the water, and place the swollen almonds in a blender, add 1 cup of clean water at room temperature and beat for 1-3 minutes until a thick snow-white paste is obtained.
Add the rest of the water, let it brew for 10 minutes, then strain through a strainer or 2 layers of gauze and delicious milk is ready.

Do not throw away the cake, it can be used for baking or cooking various dishes.

To obtain a more delicate texture of almond milk, after soaking, remove the skin from the nuts, although it contains many useful substances. The skin can be dried, chopped and added to various dishes.

Here is such a beautiful white and appetizing milk obtained from nuts.

In almond milk, you can add honey, vanilla, cinnamon, maple syrup, salt, nutmeg to your taste, after which it must be beaten with a mixer. In the heat, you can serve chilled almond milk.

Cooked milk should be stored in a tightly sealed container and best of all in the refrigerator.

Milk is also prepared from other nuts and each has a unique taste and aroma!

Include this healthy, fragrant, tasty and very healthy drink in your diet!

Almond name and origin for reference

The homeland of almonds is the territory of Asia Minor and Central Asia, where it was cultivated in the 4th millennium BC. e. then it was grown in Greece, Italy and other Mediterranean countries. Currently, almonds are a widespread food crop, and California (USA) occupies the first place among its producers (50% of the world volume). Significant volumes of almonds are also produced in Spain, Iran, Morocco, Syria, Italy, Turkey, Afghanistan, Algeria and other countries of the world.

Almonds grow on rocky-gravelly slopes. It is erroneously called a nut, although this fruit belongs to the genus of plums and is a dry, velvety-pubescent oval drupe. Almonds come in two varieties: bitter and sweet.

Thanks for reading. Looking forward to your feedback! Sincerely, Elena.