Have you ever been given a handful of almonds by your mom to boost your memory? Almonds offer numerous health benefits, from improving memory and lowering cholesterol to providing healthy fats and controlling blood sugar levels. However, to get the most out of almonds, it’s important to eat them the right way. Read on to find out the best way to consume almonds.
Best Way to Eat Almonds
Should you eat almonds with or without the skin? While both raw and roasted almonds are safe to eat, soaked and peeled almonds offer extra benefits. The skin of almonds is hard to digest and contains tannins, which reduce nutrient absorption.
Benefits of Soaked Almonds
Soaking almonds overnight in warm water makes them softer and easier to chew. This process also lowers the phytic acid content, which can inhibit the absorption of calcium, zinc, and manganese. Soaked almonds are rich in magnesium, beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes and helpful in reducing high cholesterol, thereby lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke.
How to Use Almonds in Your Daily Diet
- Morning Boost: Soak 3-4 almonds overnight and eat them in the morning after peeling. This provides an instant energy boost.
- Breakfast: Add almonds to your cereal, oats, smoothies, or shakes for a more nutritious meal.
- Snacks: Enjoy soaked almonds with raisins, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds.
- Desserts: Use almonds in homemade barfis, laddoos, cookies, granola bars, and halwa.
Tip: Limit your intake to 6-8 almonds daily to avoid weight gain and increased body heat. For safety, 3-4 almonds a day are sufficient.