Thanks to its lightness and subtle taste, almond milk has easily managed to find a place in our refrigerators. But many people consume it without really asking questions about the impact it may have on our health or how it was prepared. We tell you everything in this article!
Almonds are considered a food of choice, given its many health benefits. The Indians even considered it as a fruit capable of improving intellectual capacity and increasing the life span. But lately several specialists advise to no longer buy milk of almonds, in particular that which one finds in the trade, considering the ingredients which it contains:
- Carrageenan (E407): Carrageenan is a food additive that acts as a thickener, it is often used in the food industry to give more thickness to drinks. Prolonged consumption of this substance increases the risk of suffering from digestive problems such as intestinal lesions and colon cancer. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, carrageenan can even worsen certain types of cancer.
- Sweeteners: Aspartame, sucralose or saccharin are all artificial sweeteners that can be found in plant milks. Yet these sweeteners are risk factors in the development of various diseases including obesity, diabetes, leukemia and lymphoma.
- Food additives: Some vegetable drinks contain artificial flavors, preservatives, dyes, texture agents and hidden pesticides that cause adverse effects on our health. The key: digestive disorders, food allergies, intolerances or even more serious diseases such as cancer.
In addition, the amount of almonds in a brick of almond milk rarely exceeds 7%, which corresponds to a tiny handful of almonds. In other words, when you buy industrialized almond milk, you buy water mixed with sugar, chemicals and some almonds. Why not prepare it yourself and enjoy all the benefits it can bring you?
Here is a simple recipe to make almond milk:
To make your own almond milk, you will need two ingredients: water and almonds.
To begin, fill a bowl of water and soak the almonds for 8 hours (ideally, leave them overnight). Then rinse them and put them in your food processor. Add a liter of water and mix everything. Filter with a vegetable milk bag or a clean tea towel.
That's it, you've made your almond milk! To add more flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon, vanilla extract or orange blossom water.
Unlike vegetable drinks marketed in the markets, this drink is healthy, delicious and above all economical! Do not hesitate to incorporate it into your cooking and share this recipe with your loved ones.
What are the benefits of almond milk on your health?
Almonds are sources of protein, fiber, flavonoids, vitamins, antioxidants and minerals. Thus, they can fight against the effects of free radicals, responsible for skin aging, oxidative stress and the development of many diseases, thanks to their antioxidant content. In addition, they promote relaxation and relaxation in view of their magnesium content.
In addition, according to a study conducted by researchers at Aston University in Great Britain, consumption of almonds contributes significantly to preventing cardiovascular disease. This phenomenon is explained by the content of almonds unsaturated fatty acids, including oleic acid, and phytosterols, plant lipids that can fight against bad cholesterol. As a result, eating almonds prevents the risk of atherosclerosis and preserves cardiovascular health.
Warnings: Despite their beneficial effects on health, almonds are one of the most allergenic foods. If you experience itching or swelling in the mouth and / or throat after eating, consult a health care practitioner immediately.
