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.
Sheela Krishnaswamy, Nutrition and Wellness Consultant said, “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.[1] Additionally, for individuals with type-2 diabetes, almonds can help reduce heart-damaging inflammation. [2]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[3].”
Renowned Indian television & film actress Nisha Ganesh said, “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 Gupta said, “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[4]. A promising study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology indicates that consuming almonds may help support the skin’s resistance to UVB light[5]. 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.”
[1] Gulati S, Misra A, Pandey RM. Effect of Almond Supplementation on Glycemia and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Asian Indians in North India with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A 24-Week Study. Metab Syndr Relat Disord. 2017 Mar;15(2):98-105.
[2] Gulati S, Misra A, Pandey RM. Effect of Almond Supplementation on Glycemia and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Asian Indians in North India with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A 24-Week Study. Metab Syndr Relat Disord. 2017 Mar;15(2):98-105.
[3] Hollingworth S Dalton M, Blundell JE and Finlayson G. Evaluation of the Influence of Raw Almonds on Appetite Control: Satiation, Satiety, Hedonics and Consumer Perceptions. Nutrients 2019, 11(9), 2030; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11092030.
[4] Sivamani RK. Prospective randomized controlled pilot study on the effects of almond consumption on skin lipids and wrinkles. Phytother Res. 2019 Dec;33(12):3212-3217. doi: 10.1002/ptr.6495. Epub 2019 Oct 1.
[5] Rybak I, Carrington AE, Dhaliwal S, Hasan A, Wu H, Burney W, Maloh J, Sivamani RK. Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effects of Almonds on Facial Wrinkles and Pigmentation. Nutrients. 2021; 13(3):785. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13030785
