Hyderabad: The Harvest festival is a significant celebration in India, marked by diverse traditions across the country. In India, where there is a lot of diversity, people celebrate the harvest festival in different ways. Despite the variations, the core essence of the celebration remains unchanged. Referred to as Maghi, it is preceded by Lohri in North India, Magh Bihu in the North-east, Uttarayan in the West, Pongal in the South, and Makar Sankranti in the South and East. This tradition is embraced across the country, symbolizing a season of gratitude for the abundance of crops and a time to rejoice in the collective efforts of farmers and communities.
During this time, as tradition dictates, we often enjoy a variety of sweets and savories. However, considering the increasing prevalence of lifestyle diseases like diabetes in India, it is crucial to make these celebrations healthier. Therefore, this harvest festival, instead of gifting your friends and family a traditional box of sweets, consider sharing a box of assorted almonds.
Almonds, often considered a "gift of good health," serve as a nutritious alternative during these special moments. Known for their nutritional value, almonds are packed with essential nutrients such as magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium. Almonds are a source of zinc, a nutrient that plays a crucial role in growth, development, and the maintenance of immune function. They are also rich in protein and vitamin E, an antioxidant. Research consistently highlights the multiple benefits of including almonds in one's diet, ranging from promoting heart health and managing Type 2 diabetes to enhancing satiety.
Focusing on prioritizing health while still enjoying the occasion, Fitness Expert and Celebrity Master Instructor Yasmin Karachiwala said, “Festivities are a time for feasting and celebrations, and it is natural to indulge in them. My mantra in life is to balance things and embrace moderation. Personally, I enjoy these festivities fully but make sure to add a healthy twist to them. I would recommend the same for everyone. Given that health is precious, when exchanging gifts with cherished ones, consider shifting from calorie-laden and sugar-rich foods to a health-conscious alternative, such as almonds. These nutrient-packed nuts not only convey the gift of good health but also serve as an ideal present for all occasions and festivities. Integrating almonds into your daily dietary regimen can be a cornerstone in safeguarding your well-being and keeping several health concerns at bay. Almonds also possess satiating properties that may help you manage your weight. So, enjoy the festive time but with a healthy twist!”
Adding on, Sheela Krishnaswamy, Nutrition and Wellness Consultant said, “Festivals offer a wonderful opportunity to strengthen connections with loved ones and convey feelings of love, affection, and care, but they are also a time when we throw caution to the wind and overindulge in festive foods. To counter this, we can make mindful changes to the usual celebrations by substituting the traditional sweets and savories with healthier options. One such healthy option is almonds. Almonds are a source of many nutrients, they are easily adaptable in many traditional Indian recipes and are an ideal pick for munching between meals. The best part about almonds is that they are easy and quick to flavor, and go with just about any masala/spices, which makes them a delicious yet nutritious inclusion in your festive culinary delights. Research suggests that almonds can help lower the blood sugar impact of carbohydrate foods that they are eaten with, which affects fasting insulin levels. Eating almonds as part of a healthy diet has also been shown to help lower total and LDL cholesterol and reduce levels of heart damaging inflammation.”
Ritika Samaddar, Regional Head – Dietetics, Max Healthcare – Delhi said, “During festivities, we tend to indulge in sweets and other deep-fried snacks. There are good ways to control this, by switching to the nourishing power of almonds. They are a delightful and healthful choice, adding a touch of wellness to our celebrations. Replacing ultra-processed snacks with almonds that contain some of the essential nutrients, including dry, roasted variants of almonds, is a delightful addition to traditional harvest fare, offering a perfect balance of taste and health. Research also suggests that regular consumption of almonds may reduce harmful LDL cholesterol levels and help maintain protective HDL cholesterol when included in a healthy diet.It may also help reduce levels of heart damaging inflammation for individuals with type-2 diabetes.”
Integrative Nutritionist and Health Coach, Dr Rohini Patil said, “Indulging in traditional delicacies during festivals is normal, but it is important to draw a line. Sweets and savories, although gratifying in the short term, have a far-reaching negative impact on our health in the long term. Prioritizing mindful eating is essential. As we celebrate the harvest festival, consider kickstarting the new year with conscious adjustments to the traditional snacking routine. It is always important to opt for a healthier choice during festivities, with one important choice being a handful of almonds. Almonds are a healthy addition to your diet as they have a host of essential nutrients such as vitamin E, iron, magnesium, zinc, among others. Research suggests that consuming almonds daily may help control the progression of conditions such as pre-diabetes and keep your heart healthy.”
Renowned Kannada actress, Pranitha Subhash said, “Sankranti is a time when we celebrate by cooking some delicious traditional delicacies at our home and exchange gifts with our friends and family. Maintaining our well-being is a top priority for me, especially during festive occasions. Consequently, I make a conscious effort to infuse our celebratory dishes with nutritious elements, such as almonds. They are easy and quick to flavor and go with just about any Indian masala/spices. Almonds are also a source of essential nutrients like vitamin E, iron, magnesium, zinc, etc. I also make sure to pack a box of almonds along with the gifts as almonds are known to be auspicious and a gift of good health.”
