It is not an unknown fact that protein, often hailed as the building block of life, plays a vital role in maintaining the human body's overall health and functionality. As the ICMR guidelines strictly advise people to stay away from protein supplements, dietitians and experts believe that almonds, particularly among nutritious nuts, are a great source of "vegetarian protein".
A panel discussion hosted by the Almond Board of California on 'Supporting the Daily Protein Needs of Indian Families with a Handful of Almonds' stressed on the importance of the nutritious nut.
READ HERE | ICMR's Dietary Guidelines for Indians
The event also featured MasterChef India Season 1 winner Pankaj Bhadouria.
Ritika Samaddar, Regional Head of Dietetics at Max Healthcare, Delhi said that almonds are 'vegetarian protein' which has the capability to bridge the gap in protein intake deficit.
"Almonds have been a traditional food item in Indian households...Several researches have come out now which back the nutritional benefits of almonds," Samaddar told PTI.
Almonds contain 15 essential nutrients, including vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc. These nutritious nuts also support heart health, weight management, muscle recovery, and energy levels, while also helping manage blood sugar levels.
Bursting the myth, experts also pointed out that there is no such issue of consuming almonds in summer.
While speaking on its benefits, Bhadouria said she has created around 40-45 different recipes using almonds.
"Almonds are quite easy to cook, and there are many ways in which the ingredient can be treated to many dishes," she added.
