TINY BUT MIGHTY

health

Whether you roast them, soak them, blend them, or just pop them in your mouth as they are, almonds deserve a starring role in your diet. And what better time to celebrate these crunchy powerhouses than on World Almond Day, which occurs on February 16 every year. Your body, brain, and taste buds will thank you.

Every year, almond lovers around the world go nuts (pun intended) for this tiny but mighty superfood. Almonds are a nutritional powerhouse packed with healthy fats, protein, fibre, vitamin E, and antioxidants. They’re great for your skin, hair, brain, and heart - basically, a one-stop solution for all your health concerns.

Now, let’s talk about almonds in Pakistan - a country where these crunchy delights have been a part of our culture and cuisine for generations. From the warm glass of badam doodh your dadi insisted you drink in winter to the finely crushed almonds in sohan halwa, these nuts have always been our desi secret to good health. And modern science backs it up.

Pakistanis love food, and while we do enjoy our ghee-laden parathas, let’s be real - our diets could use a little balance. That’s where almonds come in. They make healthy eating effortless without compromising on taste.

In honour of World Almond Day, show some love to these crunchy gems. Snack on them, mix them into your meals, or enjoy them the way our elders did. A little handful every day goes a long way!

Go nuts for Almonds

Beyond the taste, almonds come with a long list of health benefits that fit right into our lifestyle:

• Boosts brain power: Students drowning in exams - this one’s for you. Almonds are known to improve memory and concentration (which is why our mothers forced us to eat them before every test).

• Great for skin and hair: The desi totkas were right. Almond oil and raw almonds fight dryness, reduce hair fall, and give you that glow-up.

• Keeps the heart happy: With growing heart disease rates, adding almonds to your diet can help lower bad cholesterol and keep your heart in good shape.

• A natural weight-loss snack: If you’re trying to cut down on fried pakoras and chips, almonds are the perfect snack. They keep you full for longer and help curb cravings.

• Regulates blood sugar: Pakistan has one of the highest diabetes rates in the world. Almonds help control blood sugar levels, making them a great snack for diabetics.

Include in your daily diet

Now, let’s talk about making almonds a regular part of your life - beyond just having them in a wedding kheer. Here are some creative, easy ways to incorporate almonds into your meals:

Badam Doodh (Almond Milk) with a twist - We all grew up with the classic warm badam doodh, but why not make it iced and spiced? Blend soaked almonds with cold milk, honey, and a pinch of cinnamon for a refreshing badam shake.

Almond chutney for your BBQ nights - What’s a plate of seekh kebabs without chutney? Grind almonds with mint, green chilies, yoghurt, and a squeeze of lemon for a creamy almond chutney that adds a nutty kick to your meals.

Almond-infused parathas (yes, really.) - Before you roll your eyes, hear us out - mix finely crushed almonds into your aata while making parathas. The result? A subtly nutty, crispy, and protein-packed version of your beloved breakfast. Bonus: It pairs beautifully with honey or achaar.

The ultimate almond trail mix - Desis love to munch on nimco, but those deep-fried snacks aren’t the healthiest. Instead, mix almonds, walnuts, dried apricots, and dark chocolate chips for a healthier snack. Keep a stash in your office drawer to avoid reaching for those greasy samosas.

Almond butter desi style - Move over, peanut butter. Make your own almond butter at home by blending roasted almonds with a drizzle of honey and a pinch of sea salt. Spread it over toast, or better yet, add a spoonful to your morning chai - trust us, it’s a game-changer.