Be it for healthy skin or strong memory, the elders at home have always resorted to the goodness of almonds. Also referred to as 'badam' in Hindi, the nut has been a popular choice for all since time immemorial. Why? It is because of the rich nutrient profile and culinary versatility of almond. The nut contains adequate amount of fibre, protein, iron, magnesium and other essential properties that help benefit our overall health. Besides it has various usages too. You would find people including almonds to different dishes for that added crunch in their meal. However, the discourse around almonds can be controversial, with various mysteries swirling around the healthy food ingredient. So much so that it often gets difficult to differentiate between facts and fiction. One such factor that confuses us all is, whether you should eat almonds during the summers, or not? To help you get a clearer picture, we delved into the controversy and separated facts from the myths doing the rounds.
Also Read: What Happens When You Eat Almonds Every Day? Nutritionist Reveals
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What Makes Almond A Popular Food Ingredient?
Let's start with understanding why almond is considered a popular food ingredient. As mentioned earlier, almond is loaded with several essential nutrients that help benefit our overall health. While the protein and fibre help us keep full for long, the oils and vitamin E in it acts like a natural moisturiser for hair and skin. It is also loaded with calcium and iron that strengthen teeth and nails.
Ayurveda states that almond is a hot food that helps digest food and treat nerve disorder. However, this very property often puts the nut under bad light. Now, in the next section, we will take you through the reasons why such a healthy food is considered bad during the summers. Read on.
Is Almond Hot Or Cold In Nature? Should You Eat Almonds During Summer?
Ayurveda states almond is one such food ingredient that creates heat in human body, leading to digestion and metabolism. But, during the summers, this may act negatively, where the heat in the weather and the body heat may collide and lead to the health condition of 'pitta dosha'. For the unversed, excess accumulation of 'pitta' in the body may lead to bloating, gas and acid reflux.
Does that mean you completely eliminate almonds from the summer diet? Absolutely not. Instead, experts suggest that there is a proper way to eat almonds to enjoy the benefits throughout the year.
What Is The Right Way To Include Almonds In Summer Diet?
We understand almond generates excess heat in the body, hence, experts suggest avoiding raw almonds during the summers. According to nutritionist Gargi Sharma, one must soak almonds over-night, peel the skin and then consume. She further explains that the peel of almonds contain tannin, which makes the food hard to digest, creating excess body heat. In fact, it also inhibits the nutrient absorption ability of almonds. Soaking not only helps you peel the skin, but also increases the goodness of some of the nutrients in the nut.
Also Read: How To Make Almond Tea For Weight Loss, Healthy Skin And More
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How Many Almonds Should You Eat In A Day?
.Health experts suggest that around four to five almonds in a day are enough for an average man. However, the amount may differ from person to person, as per their tolerance. Hence, it is always better to consult an expert before deciding on including soaked almonds in your daily diet. Eat healthy, stay fit!
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.