Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to show your love and appreciation for the special mothers in your life than with a gift that promotes their health and well-being? This year, consider giving the gift of almonds, a delicious and nutrient-rich treat that is not only delightful to the taste buds but also packed with health benefits.
Almonds are a versatile nut that has been a part of the Indian tradition for centuries for their numerous health benefits. They are a naturally rich source of essential nutrients, including protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamin E, and magnesium. These nutrients make almonds an excellent addition to a well-balanced diet and a thoughtful gift option for mothers who prioritize their health and wellness.
One of the many reasons why almonds make an ideal Mother’s Day gift is their potential to support heart health. Studies have shown that almonds can help lower LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, which is a risk factor for heart disease. Along with this, almonds offer other health benefits ranging from diabetes and weight management to promoting skin health.
Almonds are also a convenient and satisfying snack option for busy moms who are always on the go. They are easy to carry, require no preparation, and can be enjoyed as a standalone snack or added to a variety of recipes. Whether it’s sprinkled on top of a salad, blended into a creamy almond butter, or used in baking, almonds can add a delicious and nutritious twist to any meal or snack. Furthermore, almonds are a great natural source of plant-based protein, making them a healthy choice for mothers who follow a plant-based or vegetarian diet.
In addition to their nutritional benefits, almonds can be presented in various creative ways, such as in a beautifully designed gift box, or a personalized recipe book featuring almond-based dishes. Giving almonds as a gift not only shows that you care about the recipient’s health and well-being, but also adds a touch of thoughtfulness and uniqueness to your Mother’s Day present.
Renowned Bollywood Actress and Celebrity Soha Ali Khansaid, “Growing up as a child, my mother ensured I began my day on a healthy note by encouraging me to consume almonds every day in the morning. As the roles have reversed, and I now tend to take care of her health, I too make sure that she begins her day with almonds. In addition, I have inculcated this habit at my home and ensure my daughter begins her day with a handful of almonds. Almonds are a natural source of several essential nutrients such as vitamin E, protein, magnesium and phosphorus. They are also a source of iron and folate and are rich in essential fats. This Mother’s Day, I would urge everyone to take better care of your mother by incorporating a handful of almonds in their diet.”
Fitness and Celebrity Instructor, Yasmin Karachiwala, “As a fitness expert as well as a mother, I have seen the remarkable impact of healthy snacking habits on an individual’s overall wellbeing. Almonds, in particular, are a good source of essential nutrients and promote heart health, and weight management. For mothers, who juggle multiple responsibilities and often neglect their own health, incorporating a handful of almonds in their daily diet can be a game-changer. Not only do almonds provide sustained energy, but they also reduce hunger cravings, making it easier to maintain a healthy eating pattern. So, this Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate the superhero moms by gifting them a bag of almonds and encouraging them to prioritize their health.”
According to Ritika Samaddar, Regional Head – Dietetics, Max Healthcare – Delhi, “It is important for every mother, old or young, to take stock of her health amidst today’s busy lifestyle. A convenient yet healthy thing that every mom can do is add almonds to her daily diet. This may have a positive impactin her overall health, as research shows that almonds can help in maintaining normal blood sugar levels, may improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes and help lower the blood sugar impact of carbohydrate foods, which affect fasting insulin levels.”
Sheela Krishnaswamy, Nutrition and Wellness Consultantsaid, “Mothers, who prioritize taking care of their families, often overlook their own health. Therefore, it is crucial to incorporate easy and nutritious foods like almonds into their diets. Studies show that consuming almonds regularly can lower harmful LDL cholesterol levels and maintain protective HDL cholesterol levels when combined with a healthy diet. Additionally, for individuals with type-2 diabetes, almonds can help reduce heart-damaging inflammation. Hence, it is advisable for mothers to consume a handful of almonds (30 grams/23 almonds) daily for nutrient benefits and to stay satiated. According to research by the University of Leeds, snacking on almonds mid-morning, as opposed to crackers or water, leads to lower overall hunger drive and a reduced desire to consume high-fat foods.”
Integrative Nutritionist and Health Coach Neha Ranglanisaid, ”As a nutrition expert, I have long recommended almonds as a regular inclusion in a healthy diet. They are packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making them a satisfying and nutrient-dense snack. They can be easily added to yogurt, oatmeal, or salads for a quick and healthy boost. Additionally, almonds are rich in vitamin E, which have been shown to promote skin health. So this Mother’s Day, show your love and appreciation for the incredible mothers in your life by life by gifting them a bag of almonds and encouraging them to nourish themselves.”
Renowned Indian television & film actress Nisha Ganeshsaid, “Being a mother requires constant attention and care, which makes it essential to maintain good health and fitness. During my childhood, my mother always made it a point to ensure that I consumed soaked almonds every morning. As a mother myself, I have adopted this habit because almonds are an excellent source of protein and good fats that provide me with the stamina needed to interact with my child.”
Well-known South Indian Actress Pranitha Subhash said,“Throughout my schooling and career, my mother has been my unwavering support system, helping me navigate challenges every step of the way. Her selfless sacrifices have shaped me to be the person I am today. As her child, it is now my responsibility to prioritize her well-being and ensure she leads a healthy and happy life. Incorporating a handful of almonds into her daily diet has been one way to achieve this goal. Almonds are a versatile nut that can be consumed raw, roasted, or salted and are a high source of protein, fibre, magnesium, vitamin E, and other vital nutrients. They also make for a quick and convenient snack to keep around the house.”
Sharing some skincare tip for mothers on Mother’s Day, Cosmetologist and Skin Expert Dr Geetika Mittal Guptasaid, “Consistency is key with skincare. However, with busy schedules many mothers or working women in general seldom get a chance to take adequate care of their skin. It is important to understand that an easy and fundamental step to a healthy-looking skin is to maintain a nutritious diet loaded with essential vitamins and minerals. For instance, consuming nuts like almonds can be beneficial for skin health. As per a study, almonds contain healthy fats and vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) that may benefit skin health, reduce wrinkle severity, and improve skin tone in postmenopausal women. A promising study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology indicates that consuming almonds may help support the skin’s resistance to UVB light. Hence, I would recommend adding a handful of almonds in your diet daily.”
Popular Indian Chef Saransh Goila mentioned, “Mothers are the true superheroes of our lives, tirelessly juggling multiple responsibilities and pouring their hearts into everything they do. On this Mother’s Day, let us honor and celebrate these incredible women by making this delicious and nutritious Badami Nankhatai, which is also my mother’s favourite.”
BADAMI NANKHATAI
Ingredients
● Almond flour-150gms
● Whole wheat flour – 30gms
● Isabgol-10gms
● Ghee-50gms
● Fresh cream-12gms
● Stevia powder-4gms
● Baking powder-1tsp
● 20g Chopped cranberries
● Water- 1-1/2 tsp (for consistency)
● Erythritol-20gms
Method
● Pre heat the oven at 180 degrees Celsius.
● In a bowl start by mixing the ghee, erythritol & steviapowder. Using a whisk mix all of them together.
● In another bowl mix the almond flour, whole wheat flour, Isabgol, baking powder, cranberries. Add the dry mix, fresh cream into the ghee mixture little by little to form a dough.
● Can add water little by little to help the dough to come together.
● Chill the dough for about 20 minutes.
● After the dough has rested, shape the nankhatais with themhelp of a tbsp.
● Lay them onto a parchment lined baking tray & bake them for about 15 minutes or till the sides start getting amber & golden.