Anatomy of an almond

Amarjot Kaur

California Almonds brought a fitness trio comprising health expert, nutritionist and chef on the panel to discuss the goodness of almonds. While they busted a couple of myths about almond consumption, especially in summer, they also elaborated rather extensively on its health benefits. 

Nutritionist Aastha Khungar studies the anatomy of an almond. “It has good protein, fat, omega 3, B70, folic acid, fibre and 1 percent saturated fat. Also, it is sodium free. That makes almonds a good and healthy snaking option,” she says. Many believe that almonds, like other dry fruits, are an essential part of winter diet and that they should be avoided in summer. 

Aastha rubbishes the aphorism and says, “A healthy person may have up to one ounce of almond daily. It’s often said that almonds generate unnecessary heat in the body during summer; it’s a myth. In fact, they are good for your body, especially your heart,” she says.

Chef Debasis Biswas of JW Marriot cooks up a spicy tale as he tosses the almonds in a pan full of masalas. “It’s the best option for healthy snacking. I am cooking them in refined oil for the Indian snack and for the western snack, I will use olive oil. In fact, almonds go really well with lettuce. Add a fistful of almonds to your salad to make it healthy. I’d suggest that before putting almonds in the salad, roast them in a pan to make them crunchier,” he says. 

Biswas cooks blanched and peeled almonds in 1 teaspoon of oil and adds amchoor powder, turmeric powder, pepper, red chilli powder and salt to it. He calls it Haldi Mirch Badam. 

For Mohali-based gym owner Hardeep Singh Malii, who has been an award-winning body builder, almonds are an important part of a pehalwaan’s diet. “But if you aren’t a pehalwaan, you should still have them. In fact, if you haven’t had your breakfast, a fistful of badaam will do you a world of good even though they cannot be used as a substitute for breakfast. Along with having almonds, a 20-minute workout is necessary for a healthy body,” he advocates.

Healthy snacking to you!

amarjot@tribunemail.com