The Power of Almonds and Almond Drinks - drinuM

The Power of Almonds and Almond Drinks 

Since many years gone by, Spaniards have consumed almonds and almond drinks to treat a number of ailments -  especially bowel disorders - and to cure digestion problems. The Southern Italians are also famous for their Latte di Mandorla which, of course, is not a milk in itself since it is a product made exclusively of almonds and sugars/ sweeteners. Even among us, almond drinks were, and still are, very popular, mixed with water or milk. Most of us like to drink almond ruġġata although, unfortunately, squashes produced commercially sometimes contain high levels of added sugar.

Almond drinks are delicious, light and easy to digest. Almond is a particularly good source of protein containing all the essential amino acids. Almond drinks are a perfect alternative to dairy milks. Such drinks can be recommended in the following cases:

1.   intolerance and/or allergies – people suffering from lactose intolerance as well as dairy protein allergies.
2.   contribution to the prevention of cardiovascular risks – almond lipids are rich in monosaturated fatty acids.
3.   gluten allergy.
4.   ideal for vegetarians and vegans.
5.   for those seeking to regulate their weight – almond drinks contain lower calories than dairy milk or soya drinks.
6.   digestion – intestinal disorders and diarrhoea (a relative of mine who was hospitalized last summer practically  
      survived on almond drinks since she was unable to digest any other fluid except water).

Almond drinks can be recommended to babies from the 6th month, when the diversification period of their feeding begins. As a part of a healthy diet, almonds are a good source of protein and are very easy to digest. In cases of severe dairy allergies to cow milk, almond drinks can be an alternative even before the 6th month, but of course this has to be under the supervision of a paediatrician. Almonds are better than soya in this tender age, because some people can suffer from soya allergies.

Many old people find it hard to digest dairy products and suffer from intestinal disorders, such as bloating, on consuming these products. Almond drinks are ideal to introduce the consumption of non-dairy drinks to the elderly, since they usually enjoy the taste of almond. Almond drinks with added calcium are, of course, better for those who want to partiake of a non-dairy drink but still want to consume enough calcium in their diet.

We, the Maltese, usually associate almonds with desserts. While it is true that there are many almond desserts on the market, both healthy desserts and also the less healthy (but delicious) ones such as the Torta tal-Lewż, almonds can be also used in cooking savoury dishes. An almond cream, which can be used as an alternative to dairy and soya cooking creams, may be found on the market. It has the added advantage of not curdling while cooking, and it can be boiled and also mixed with acid ingredients (lemon, wine, mustard etc.,). Besides these interesting properties, it is very low in saturated fatty acids, and thus it is good alternative for those who either want to reduce their cholesterol intake or to lose weight.

So, next time you're feeling peckish - have a few almonds to nibble or refresh yourself with an almond drink. Almonds are good for you!