Almond milk smoothie
May support blood sugar managementA 2017 study in India on patients with type 2 diabetes found that including almonds as part almond milk smoothie a balanced diet had multiple benefits on both blood sugar levels and cardiovascular risk factors. In addition to this, almonds are a great source of magnesium, which is known to be important for blood sugar control.
More human trials are required but animal studies have shown that almond consumption may well boost memory. A 2016 study found that consuming moderate amounts of almonds or almond butter not only improved diet quality in both adults and children, but also altered the composition of the gut microbiome, possibly, in part, due to their high fibre content. People with an allergy to tree nuts should avoid almonds. Allergy symptoms normally develop within minutes, and you should see your GP if you experience an adverse reaction. However, if this develops into a severe reaction, known as anaphylaxis, it is a medical emergency and immediate help should be sought. Young children, some older people and those with a problem swallowing should avoid whole nuts due to the risk of choking.
Visit the NHS website to read more about allergies. This article was last reviewed on 6 October 2021 by Kerry Torrens. Nicola Shubrook is a nutritional therapist and works with both private clients and the corporate sector. Over the past 15 years she has been a contributing author to a number of nutritional and cookery publications including BBC Good Food. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local health care provider. This website is published by Immediate Media Company Limited under licence from BBC Studios Distribution.
Branch of tree with green fruits. Iran and surrounding countries, including the Levant. The fruit of the almond is a drupe, consisting of an outer hull and a hard shell with the seed, which is not a true nut. Shelling almonds refers to removing the shell to reveal the seed. Almonds are sold shelled or unshelled. The almond tree prospers in a moderate Mediterranean climate with cool winter weather.
California produces over half of the world’s almond supply. The young twigs are green at first, becoming purplish where exposed to sunlight, then gray in their second year. Almond grows best in Mediterranean climates with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Almonds begin bearing an economic crop in the third year after planting. Trees reach full bearing five to six years after planting.
