Having a handful of almonds every day and working out regularly helps to lead a healthy life, according to research. The subject of the magical power of almonds came up in a programme held by the Almond Board of California in the city.
Studies have revealed that Indian climatic conditions do not support the production of good quality almonds, which is why almost 84% of India’s almonds are imported and most of it comes from the nearly 6,800 almond growers and processors in California.
Talking about various health and nutritional benefits of eating almonds,Chennai-based nutrition expert, Harini N.B. spelt out their anti-oxidant qualities as almonds are rich in vitamin E. They play a role in satiety and are useful in weightand diabetes management and maintaining a healthy heart, as demonstrated by decades of published research.
“The increasing incidence of heart disease, obesity and other lifestyle-related issues calls for continuous focus on a healthy diet in today’s fast paced life. One simple step towards healthier eating is by incorporating healthy snacks like almonds in your daily diet. A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that a daily snack of 42 grams of almonds, consumed as part of an overall healthy diet, lessened a number of risk factors of heart disease. In addition to significantly improving Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL/bad) cholesterol, snacking on almonds also reduced central adiposity (belly fat) and waist circumference, all well-established heart disease risk factors,” she added while speaking on her research. Her area of focus is on cancer nutrition, bariatric, nutrition in burns, stress and trauma, lifestyle management, cardiac and renal nutrition.
Personal fitness Instructor in Chennai, S. Sivashankari who has over 11 years of experience in the health and fitness industry and specialises in weight management and is also a skilled trainer in various forms of workout like aerobics, zumba, and cardio gave out some fitness fundas at the same event.
“Simple aerobics style you can try out for relieving stress every day and after exercise a handful of almonds in an empty stomach is ideal”, said Sivashankari even as she demonstrated simple stress-releasing exercises.
A PERFECT DIET suggested by nutritionist Harini:
A heavy breakfast, moderate lunch and a light dinner represent the best formula for general health. Some almonds along the way might be a good idea too.
Almonds are generally prescribed as a low-caloried appetiser. About 25 to 30 grams of almonds can be consumed per day, the ideal amount for an adult being about 23 pieces of almonds per day.
For best effect, almonds may be soaked overnight in water and taken with breakfast as the first dish. If a person is unable to bite into an almond, it can be taken in the form of badam milk processed at home and for best health results, avoiding sugar.
Tips
Try out simple dancing steps and simple yoga postures at home, preferably with rhythm
After 15 minutes of having the fitness work out, fill the stomach with a handful of almonds
Calm meditation 15 minutes before going to bed
