Known since ancient times, the drink with a sweetish, nutty, creamy taste is currently gaining increasing popularity. Today we will talk about almond milk. The benefits and harms of this drink are a question that has been discussed for many years. Vegetarians, vegans and people with lactose intolerance consider almond milk an irreplaceable alternative to cow's milk. Another group of people who do not like nuts, on the contrary, argue that the benefits of the drink are exaggerated and greatly exaggerated.

Information tsunami

Advertisements here and there shout about the benefits of milk made with nuts, including almonds. The slogans of adherents of healthy eating are visible everywhere: “Rejuvenation and vitaminization!”, “An excellent replacement for cow’s milk!”, “Longevity and health after the first sip!” Let's try to figure out what the benefits of almond milk are and the possible harm to the body from consuming this product. We will understand who can eat it and who should refuse the drink. Here are examples of simple and quick recipes that will allow you to save money and prepare almond milk at home.

Almond

No one will argue that nuts are a unique product that is a storehouse of vitamins and microelements beneficial to the human body. Almonds contain healthy fats that are absorbed incredibly quickly. It also contains a large amount of protein and calcium, which, as you know, is simply indispensable for the normal growth of a child and the development of the musculoskeletal system. On the other hand, nuts are a high-calorie product and very filling. If you use them, then about ten pieces a day. Otherwise it will affect your figure.

What about almond milk? Will the benefits and harm to the body be exactly the same as in the case of nuts? There are a lot of opinions on this matter. For some it is a healthy drink, but for others it is a deadly delicacy. First, let's figure out what are the advantages of milk made from almonds.

Useful properties for the figure

Whole nuts for breakfast or almond milk? The benefits and harms of seemingly similar products vary greatly. If nuts in large doses are simply contraindicated for a losing weight, 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 those who like to snack on the run.

Can people with heart disease drink almond milk: benefits and harms?

Dietary and medicinal - this is how experts characterize almond milk. The drink is considered indispensable and beneficial for those who suffer from diseases of the cardiovascular system. Since almond milk is completely free of cholesterol and contains a considerable amount of calcium, its consumption has an extremely positive effect on the functioning of the heart and blood vessels. Amino acids, also contained in the composition, help normalize blood pressure and prevent the formation of vascular plaques.

For the bones

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

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, making the body stronger and more resistant to viral diseases.

For skin

Vitamins E and A are extremely beneficial for the skin; they are also included in products such as almond milk. The benefits and harms of these microelements are a topic discussed in the scientific community. Some doctors do not advise consuming too many foods containing vitamin A. Others, on the contrary, claim that it is very beneficial for the human body.

Research shows that in moderate amounts, these vitamins are extremely beneficial for the skin. Therefore, drinking almond milk, which contains vitamins A and E, helps improve skin condition, reduce the formation of deep wrinkles and slow down aging. And if you like to soak up the sun, then you simply cannot do without nut milk. It contains substances that protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.

For the stomach

It has been proven that this drink has a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal 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.

Because almond milk is lactose-free, it is a better alternative to cow's milk. As you know, many cannot afford to consume it, since after this they immediately begin to have problems with the stomach and intestines. But almond milk is another matter. It can be given even to small children without fear of getting diarrhea, constipation or vomiting afterwards.

For vision

It has already been noted above that almond milk contains vitamin A. It is known to not only be good for the skin, but also has a positive effect on human vision. It has been proven that vitamin A helps the eyes quickly and painlessly adjust when exposed to light from darkness and vice versa. In addition, scientists believe that regular consumption of this drink helps improve vision, strengthen the optic nerve and improve focusing.

Disadvantages, harm and contraindications

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

You should buy only high-quality nut milk from trusted manufacturers who do not allow the addition of carrageenan to the drink. The presence of a dietary supplement made from red algae can negatively affect the gastrointestinal tract, cause irritation of the gastric mucosa and provoke peptic ulcers.

Almond milk: benefits and harms, recipes

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

• 60-70 g almonds;
• 250 ml of clean 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, drain the water and transfer the nuts to a blender. It is recommended to beat them with clean filtered water. After obtaining a homogeneous mass, add a pinch of sea salt (it will enhance the nutty taste).

For sweetness, you can add 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, thoroughly beat the mass. Place it in cheesecloth and squeeze thoroughly.

We looked at milk (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 also those who improvise by adding sparkling mineral water.

Experimenting with spices

Almond milk, the benefits and harms of which have been studied by doctors for a long time, can be prepared at home. How to improve your health with nuts? It would seem that there is nothing to add here. Nuts in any form are tasty and aromatic. But through experimentation, culinary experts created an unusual recipe for nut milk, which many housewives liked.

To prepare an almond spiced drink, you will need:

• A cup of raw almonds.
• A glass of drinking water.
• Nutmeg.
• Salt.
• Cinnamon.

The nuts are soaked in water for ten hours. Then they are crushed using a blender and squeezed through a sieve or several layers of gauze. Half a glass of boiling water is added to the resulting paste. Now it’s the turn of the spices: sea salt (teaspoon), ground nutmeg, cinnamon (pinch). The taste will be amazing.

In this article we touched on a very broad and interesting topic. We discussed what almond milk is (benefits and harms), the composition and calorie content of the product were also examined, and the properties and preparation features were described. To summarize, I would like to note that it is definitely worth trying or thoroughly introducing nut milk into your diet (if there are no contraindications). This is a healthy, aromatic and incredibly tasty drink.

Many useful products go unnoticed and not fully appreciated. For example, almond milk has fallen out of favor, although the drink was popular in Tsarist Russia.

Almond milk was suitable for Lent; it was used to make a refreshing drink - orshad. By origin, it has nothing to do with animal milk, but is called so because of its color and milk-like taste.

Composition of almond milk

The drink is made from ground almonds and water, without heat treatment, so it is similar in composition to almonds.

Vitamins:

• A – 0.02 mg;
• E – 24.6 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.

Micro- and macroelements:

• potassium – 748 mg;
• calcium – 273 mg;
• magnesium – 234 mg;
• phosphorus – 473 mg;
• chlorine – 39 mg;
• sulfur – 178 mg.

In 100 gr. product:

• 18.6 gr. proteins;
• 53.7 gr. fats;
• 13 gr. carbohydrates.

The calorie content of almond milk is 51 kcal.

This milk, unlike cow's milk, has no cholesterol and is therefore healthier.

Benefits of almond milk

The drink has many advantages over animal milk, one of the main ones being the absence of lactose. The product can be an alternative for lactose intolerance.

General

For weight loss

If you have problems with excess weight, then almond milk can replace regular milk, since it is less caloric - the energy value of 0% fat cow's milk is 86 kcal, and almond milk is 51 kcal.

The drink is not an “empty” product. Despite its lightness, it retains useful elements and vitamins. The same cannot be said about skim cow's milk, from which calcium is not absorbed and where vitamins have been destroyed due to pasteurization.

For women

Almond milk is good for women of any age. 200 gr. The drink will provide the daily requirement of vitamin E and will become a source of omega-3, omega-6, omega-9 fatty acids. Vitamin E inhibits the oxidation of free radicals and protects the skin from sun rays and harmful chemicals. Fatty acids nourish the skin from the inside.

For men

Typically, men pay more attention to muscles than women. The secret of the benefits of almond milk for muscles is the content of vitamin B2 and iron. Riboflavin is involved in protein metabolism, in the breakdown of molecules into energy in the form of ATP. Iron is necessary to supply oxygen to muscles during prolonged physical activity.

During pregnancy

The drink contains vitamin B9 or folic acid, which prevents abnormalities in fetal development.

Calcium and vitamin D are needed to form the baby’s skeleton and maintain the mother’s bone tissue. Almond milk has a laxative effect, normalizes digestion and does not burden the gastrointestinal tract.

For children

It won’t hurt your children to drink almond milk regularly, as the drink contains calcium and vitamin D. Almond milk contains 273 mg of calcium, which is more than cottage cheese, kefir and cow’s milk. The drink contains 25% of the required daily dose of vitamin D, without which calcium cannot be absorbed.

Regular consumption of almond milk will strengthen bones, teeth and hair and help in the growth of the child. It is dangerous to completely replace cow or goat milk with almond milk, since the drink is inferior in vitamin C content, which is responsible for the production of collagen and the elasticity of connective tissue.

Harm and contraindications of almond milk

Almond milk can replace regular milk for an adult. But this does not apply to infants: they should not switch to the drink due to the low vitamin C content and the risk of developing scurvy. This will be confirmed by a case from Spain. An infant suffering from an allergy to animal milk was prescribed a formula based on almond milk, and by 10 months the child had poorly developed bone corset and developed scurvy. Doctors have not registered any more cases of harm from almond milk, excluding individual intolerance.

Almond milk, which is gaining more and more popularity every day, can be easily prepared at home. In addition, to make it yourself, you only need two components - almonds and plain water, which distinguishes a homemade product from a store-bought one, because the latter often suffers from an imperfect composition. Almond milk is suitable both for serving on its own and as a component for baking and making dessert dishes. You can use it to cook porridge, bake pancakes, or add it to coffee, tea, non-alcoholic cocktails or smoothies. Almond milk can be consumed during fasting as an alternative to cow's milk, and is also suitable for vegetarians and people with lactose intolerance. A dish with the addition of this drink turns out to be very tender, light, and imbued with a pleasant nutty taste.

The benefits of almond milk are a topic for a whole separate article, so let’s say briefly: this drink contains a huge amount of calcium, trace elements and vitamins. Moreover, here these substances are in dissolved form, which facilitates easy absorption by the body, which is why almond milk is especially recommended for children. So, if you are not yet familiar with the popular miracle drink, let’s correct this omission and move on to the recipe! In general, almond milk is prepared quickly, but you need to take into account the time for infusion and swelling of the nuts. To avoid long waits and counting hours, we recommend soaking the nuts in water the night before and refrigerating them overnight. In the morning, with the help of a blender, we will have time to complete the preparation, and by breakfast we can already enjoy a silky, tasty drink.

Ingredients:

• almonds (unroasted) - 150 g;
• drinking water - 700 ml.

Almond milk recipe at home

1. First you need to prepare the almonds, namely peel them from the brown skin. To do this, pour the nuts into a convenient heat-resistant container. Pour boiling water - the liquid should completely cover the almonds. Leave for 10 minutes.
   
2. Then remove the steamed skin. After being in boiling water, the skin will swell, soften, and the nuts will be easy to peel. If the almonds are difficult to peel, pour boiling water again, after draining the cooled liquid.
   
3. Place the peeled kernels in a clean container and fill with cold drinking water (700 ml). Leave for 2-4 hours, or better yet, cover the container with cling film/lid and put it in the refrigerator overnight.
   
4. Pour the water along with the swollen almonds into a deep glass for making cocktails or the bowl of a stationary blender. Mix thoroughly at high speed for 2-5 minutes, like a cocktail or smoothie. As a result, the nuts should be crushed into minimal crumbs (almost into flour), and the water should acquire a rich white color like regular cow's milk. If desired, you can add honey or sugar and beat a little more; you can also flavor the liquid with cinnamon, nutmeg or other spices. But even in its pure form without additives, almond milk turns out very tasty and balanced.
   
5. Strain the finished drink through 4 layers of gauze to get rid of small particles of nuts and get perfectly homogeneous, tender and silky milk. We do not throw away the almond crumbs remaining on the fabric - they can be dried and added to biscuits, cookies, muffins, pancakes, etc. in the future. After straining and all manipulations, approximately 500 g of pure finished drink is obtained. Homemade almond milk can be stored in the refrigerator in a covered container for 2-3 days.
   
6. We use our healthy and tasty drink in any way you like - sip it through a straw with cookies and other sweets, add it to tea, coffee, cocoa, etc., or leave it for preparing other dishes.
   

Homemade almond milk is ready! Bon appetit and successful culinary experiments!

almond milk is one of the most famous types of plant milk. It is made from sweet almonds. Almond milk can be easily obtained without heat treatment, so it is suitable for both raw and raw food diets. It is an excellent alternative to animal milk, for example, on fasting days or when following a diet.

Benefits of almond milk:

• almond milk is rich in macro- and microelements (Ca, Mg, P, Mn, Zn, Cu);
• contains vitamins A, E, B, C, PP, and is also rich in antioxidants;
• contains vitamin D, essential for strengthening bone structures and immunity in general;
• omega acids have a beneficial effect on the condition of blood vessels, the heart, and normalize blood pressure;
• easy to digest and suitable for people with lactose intolerance and diabetes;
• very nutritious;
• Almond milk drink helps in the treatment of coughs and upper respiratory tract diseases.

Harm of almond milk:

• Almond milk should not be used by people with an almond allergy;
• it is important to wisely limit its amount, since excessive consumption of foods rich in proteins and fats can negatively affect the overall nutritional balance;
• Almond milk is not the same as cow's milk, it is an alternative to milky flavor.

Almond milk: recipe

To make your own homemade almond milk, you only need two ingredients: almonds and water.

1. Almonds must be raw, that is, not heat-treated.
2. It is necessary to revive the nuts, that is, to germinate them. To do this, soak them overnight in water at room temperature.
3. When the almonds swell, peel them so that you can use the pulp from them in the future. If the skin does not separate easily, pour boiling water over the nuts.
4. Beat the kernels in a blender with water: for 1 cup of nuts - 3 cups of water. You can vary this ratio to produce richer milk or cream. We recommend adding only part of the water at first so that the nuts are ground better, gradually increasing the amount to the required amount.
5. Squeeze the milk through cheesecloth or a synthetic bag. The pulp can be widely used in various recipes.

It is best to use almond milk immediately or store it in the refrigerator for no longer than a few days.

Uses of almond milk

You can drink almond milk in its pure form or use it in preparing various dishes instead of animal milk. Not only the milk itself, but also its cake is widely used. Almond milk has a light milky-nutty taste.

Use almond milk drink to prepare both sweet and savory dishes:

• baking,
• salads,
• snacks,
• ice cream, etc.

Almond cake can also be used in various dishes:

• bread,
• cookie,
• sweets,
• additives to salads and side dishes, etc.

The use of almond milk in cosmetology

Almond milk is effective for sensitive, dry and normal skin. It softens the skin, normalizes metabolic processes, ensures fluid balance in cells, improves skin firmness and elasticity.