Almond milk - benefits and harm. Almond milk for children: how to prepare it at home Almond milk for children 7 years old

This milk is good for those who are lactose intolerant in cow's milk.
Almond milk is very tasty and healthy. It is recommended to drink it not only for children with allergies, but for all healthy children.

Almonds are considered a very healthy nut, with a high content of calcium, essential fatty acids, vitamins B and E, phosphorus, zinc and iron. By making milk from this nut you get a tasty, satisfying, vitamin-rich drink without cholesterol. But all this is true if you use RAW almonds, since after heat treatment, some of the benefits are lost.

Another advantage of almond milk is that all the beneficial substances it contains are very well absorbed: protein by 85%, carbohydrates by 90%, fat by 95%.
The only downside I can note is that without a sweetener, the milk tastes bland and is unlikely to be liked by a child. But adding a spoonful of honey to it will immediately transform it and become delicious.

Almond milk recipe for kids:

Almond milk is safe for most babies, but it should not be used as a substitute for breast milk or baby formula.

For vegans and people with lactose intolerance, almond milk can be a good alternative to cow's milk, but how beneficial is it for newborns and infants, since they have different nutritional needs than adults?

Most pediatricians advise keeping children under 1 year of age breastfed or, if breast milk is not available, given baby formula, and other types of milk, such as almond or cow's, included in the diet only after the baby's first birthday. According to experts, almond milk is safe for most babies, but it should not be used as a substitute for breast milk or baby formula, as they contain elements necessary for the development of the child.

In some cases, almond milk can be a healthier alternative to cow's milk, but it is worth remembering that the nutritional values ​​of these products differ significantly. For example, one cup of cow's milk contains 8 grams of fat, which is essential for baby's brain development, and 8 grams of protein, while the same amount of almond milk contains only 2.5 grams of fat and 1 gram of protein. However, cow's milk can be replaced with almond milk in a child's diet if he receives the required amount of nutrients from other sources.

By comparison, a cup of cow's milk contains 276 mg calcium, 322 mg potassium, 205 mg phosphorus, 105 mg sodium, 395 IU (international units) vitamin A, 124 IU vitamin D. A similar volume of unsweetened almond milk contains 482 mg calcium, 176 mg potassium, 24 mg phosphorus, 189 mg sodium, 499 IU vitamin A, 101 IU vitamin D.

In addition, cow's milk has a higher concentration of natural sugars. When buying almond milk, you should pay attention to its label; many manufacturers may add large amounts of sugar, thickeners and flavor enhancers to their products, which poses a risk to the child. Before including almond milk in your baby's diet, you should consult your pediatrician.

If almond milk isn't an option for some reason, there are other plant-based milks, such as coconut, rice, hemp, oat, soy, and nut (hazelnut). Some infants may develop an allergic reaction to nut milk, so consult your doctor before introducing it into your diet. If there have been cases of nut allergies in the family, it is better to avoid such milk.

Almond milk - composition

Vegetarians and fasting people appreciatecomposition of almond milkfor the absence of animal products, lactose and cholesterol. The drink is suitable for those losing weight or for those who suffer from cow's milk intolerance. Per 100 ml of product there are 3.6 g of protein, 11.1 g of fat and 5.6 g of carbohydrates. Almond milk is rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc. Contains vitamins D and E, microminerals - copper, manganese, and a little iron.

Almond milk - calories

Depending on the cooking method and the products involved,almond milk caloriesmay vary. The simplest recipe, which involves grinding almond kernels with water, gives a product with 100 kcal per 100 ml, but a more complex one, with vanilla and honey, increases the calorie content to 135 kcal. The energy value is higher than that of cow or goat, the product is more nutritious.

Almond milk - benefits and harms

Vegetarians will need to know what it isbenefits and harms of almond milkto be informed about all the properties of the product. The benefits are as follows:

• no cholesterol or lactose, suitable for those with allergies to milk protein;
• serves as a source of calcium, strengthens bones, teeth, improves the condition of nails, hair, skin;
• due to phosphorus and magnesium, it maintains the functioning of the heart and blood quality;
• Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids normalize blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease;
• vitamin D reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis and rickets;
• B vitamins affect the muscular and nervous system, A provides improved vision.

For medicinal purposes, you can use tender milk obtained from almond kernels. Here are its advantages:

• helps with pneumonia, inflammatory conditions, treats colds;
• eliminates cramps, migraines;
• normalizes the functioning of the food, renal and urinary systems;
• reduces the risk of developing atherosclerosis and anemia;
• relieves colic, severe cough, asthma attacks;
• eliminates insomnia, headaches, numbness of the limbs;
• has an anti-hangover effect;
• increases immunity.

Almond milk is also used in cosmetology. It is rich in useful substances, which gives the following effects:

• softens and moisturizes the skin;
• cleanses, whitens;
• removes makeup;
• promotes weight loss.

However, there are certain contraindications for use:

• Do not drink milk if you are allergic to nuts or have an individual intolerance;
• store-bought milk contains carrageenan, which, if taken regularly, can cause inflammation of the stomach and intestines, and provoke ulcers and coronary artery disease;
• Due to the addition of carrageenan, there is a risk of causing cancer.

Almond milk for children

Giving almondmilk for childrenIt is possible only in preschool age, that is, after 3-4 years, provided there is no individual intolerance. It should not be given to infants, since they will not receive the necessary nutrients that mother's milk or even cow's milk contains. In addition, it is impossible to predict premature nut allergy, which will manifest itself in the form of urticaria, swelling or diathesis.

Almond milk - recipe

Simplest almond milk recipeHome cooks will love it because it can be used to make delicious treats without much hassle. The remaining cake can be flavored with cinnamon, cocoa, and decorated as candy. Each almond milk recipe can be supplemented with other ingredients: coconut flakes, maple syrup, nutmeg. It’s very tasty to replace classic milk with almond milk when drinking coffee or cocoa, or to make salad dressing.

Almond milk

• Cooking time: 12 hours.
• Number of servings: 1 person.
• Calorie content of the dish: 135 kcal.
• Purpose: for a snack.
• Kitchen: author's.

Make it delicious almond milkjust follow the recipe below. All you need is a handful of nuts and simple boiled or filtered water. Instructions with a step-by-step description of the preparation steps will tell you how to make almond milk, which is perfect for drinking on its own or adding to hot drinks. A cup of milk can replace a snack.

Ingredients:

• almond kernels without skin – 200 g;
• water - liter;
• vanilla extract – 10 ml;
• honey – 20 ml.

Cooking method:

1. Soak almonds in water overnight and leave at room temperature.
2. The next morning, grind in a blender until smooth, sweeten with honey and vanilla.
3. Add stevia extract if desired.
4. Instead of whole nut kernels, you can use ready-made almond flour. This milk can be stored for a day.

Almond milk jelly

• Cooking time: 7 hours.
• Number of servings: 4 persons.
• Calorie content of the dish: 193 kcal.
• Purpose: for dessert.
• Kitchen: author's.
• Difficulty of preparation: medium.

It turns out very fragrant and unusualalmond milk jelly, which can be served as a sweet snack or dessert in the evenings. You can even treat it to visiting friends: it will appeal to those who love the traditional Italian dessert pannacotta, but avoid eating a lot of heavy cream. Do not throw away the cake after making jelly - it will make aromatic cookies or an additive to porridge.

Ingredients:

• raw almonds - a handful;
• water – 0.4 l;
• coconut flakes – 20 g;
• sugar – 60 g;
• cream 10% fat – 100 ml;
• gelatin – 20 g.

Cooking method:

1. Soak the nuts in a glass of cold water for five hours, drain the liquid, add shavings and powdered sugar obtained by grinding sugar.
2. Beat with a blender with the remaining water, filter.
3. Combine the cream with gelatin, let it brew for 40 minutes, heat without bringing to a boil.
4. Combine the mixtures, pour into molds, and let harden in the refrigerator.

Porridge with almond milk

• Cooking time: half an hour.
• Number of servings: 2 persons.
• Calorie content of the dish: 72 kcal.
• Purpose: for a snack.
• Kitchen: author's.
• Difficulty of preparation: simple.

Older children will love italmond milk porridge, which is perfect for breakfast provided you don’t have allergies. This pleasant dish can also be eaten by adults - vegetarians for a snack, fasting for dinner or losing weight for an afternoon snack. Season the porridge well with fruits and berries, pour in syrup or honey. Instead of oatmeal, you can use any other cereal.

Ingredients:

• Hercules oat flakes – 60 g;
• almond milk - a glass;
• bananas – 1 pc.;
• maple syrup – 40 ml;
• almond paste – 20 g;
• blueberries – 100 g;
• salt – 2 g.

Cooking method:

1. Pour milk over the cereal, add salt, and add 2/3 of the banana slices.
2. Cook for 10 minutes, reduce heat, simmer for five minutes.
3. Add syrup, paste and berries, stir.
4. Serve with remaining banana garnish.

The benefits and harms of almond milk allow it to be used to replace cow's milk when switching to vegetarianism, lactose intolerance, during fasting and for cosmetic purposes. Possessing a rich vitamin and mineral composition, the product has a positive effect on health and also rejuvenates.

Composition of almond milk

This milk is made from crushed almond kernels and water. The result is a drink with a delicate taste and a rich chemical composition, which contains:

• proteins;
• carbohydrates;
• fats;
• vitamins A, C, E, group B;
• macro- and microelements – potassium and calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, chlorine, sulfur;
• flavonoids;
• antioxidants.

Unlike cow's milk, almond milk does not contain cholesterol and lactose, to which many people develop intolerance. This product has fewer calories and saturated fat. However, the protein content in milk is also lower.

Benefits of almond milk

Research has proven that almond milk improves health. The product has positive effects for gastrointestinal diseases - peptic ulcers, gastritis, colitis. Almond milk also helps restore damaged mucous membranes, improves intestinal motility and restores its microflora. As a result, constipation and bloating disappear.

Bioactive substances included in plant milk strengthen the body's defenses. With regular consumption of almond drink, resistance to viruses increases, a person is less likely to get the flu and acute respiratory infections, and recovers faster from a mild cold. The product strengthens bones, prevents teeth from crumbling and nails from becoming brittle. It is recommended for older people who suffer from calcium deficiency.

Due to the absence of cholesterol, almond milk has a positive effect on the circulatory system. The drink helps remove plaques and prevents atherosclerosis, varicose veins, and thrombophlebitis. Omega acids in almond milk prevent vascular fragility, and retinol helps the eyes adapt to the stress of working at a computer for long periods of time.

For women

Nuts are high in calories, but milk made from them is a dietary product that helps women lose weight or maintain their current weight. One cup of almond milk contains about 60 kcal versus 146 kcal in the same amount of cow's milk.

The product helps maintain youth and has a positive effect on appearance:

1. Thanks to the content of vitamins A and E, almond milk improves skin condition, reduces the severity of wrinkles, and slows down aging. The product also minimizes the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation when relaxing on the beach and visiting.
2. A large amount of natural antioxidants tocopherol and retinol in almond drink enhances the production of collagen, which is responsible for the elasticity and youthfulness of the skin.
3. The abundance of B vitamins in milk stimulates hair growth, making it stronger and thicker.

For men

Almond milk also benefits men. The drink helps build muscle, so it is in demand among athletes and those who simply work out in the gym.

This effect ensures a fairly high iron content in milk, which improves the supply of oxygen to muscle fibers. This is important during long training sessions. Almond milk also contains vitamin B2 and riboflavin, which is involved in protein synthesis.

For children

Many children develop lactose intolerance, which is why they cannot drink cow's milk. It can be replaced with an almond drink - provided that the child is not allergic to nuts.

Milk can be introduced into a child's diet from the age of 6-8 months, like any complementary food. First, you need to give the product a little at a time - a teaspoon at a time, gradually increasing the amount. After a couple of weeks, the child’s sleep will improve and stool will normalize.

Attention! Almond milk does not provide complete nutrition, so the child must get nutrients from other foods. The rate of use of the product is no more than 200 ml, or a cup per day.

During pregnancy

For pregnant women, almond milk is an additional source of calcium and vitamin A, which prevents the threat of miscarriage. Folic acid contained in the product is necessary for the growth and development of the fetus. A sufficient amount of it in the mother’s body is especially important in the first trimester, when the tissues and organs of the unborn child are being formed. A deficiency of the substance is fraught with premature placental abruption, gestosis and other complications of pregnancy.

When breastfeeding

Almond milk is easily digestible. Therefore, including the product in the diet of a nursing mother has a positive effect on the child:

• participates in the formation of muscles, teeth and bones;
• ensures proper development of vision;
• strengthens the immune system;
• normalizes digestion.

You need to start drinking milk with small doses, monitoring the baby's reaction. If he shows signs of an allergy, the product should be discarded immediately.

Use in cooking

You can simply drink almond milk or use it in preparing various dishes - not only sweet, but also salty:

• baking;
• ice cream;
• milk porridges;
• almond cheese;
• smoothies and yoghurts;
• salads;
• creamy soups;
• snacks.

Almond milk is an easy substitute for cow's milk in any recipe. Leftover nuts are also added to the same dishes, and they also make delicious bread, cakes, and muffins.

You can whip up a banana smoothie using almond milk and flax seeds.

Ingredients for two servings:

• 2 bananas;
• 5 tbsp. l soaked flaxseeds;
• 2 tbsp. l almond milk;
• 3 tbsp. l honey.

The seeds should be poured with a glass of water and left overnight in the refrigerator. In the morning, drain the water from them and grind in a blender. Then add the remaining ingredients and beat again.

Advice! A banana smoothie with almond milk is a great snack that quenches your thirst and satisfies your sweet tooth. The drink is tasty and low-calorie, so you don’t have to worry about your figure.

Another delicious and healthy recipe using almond milk is blancmange with berry coulis sauce.

Ingredients:

• a glass of almond milk;
• 200 g raspberries;
• 2 tbsp. l sugar;
• vanilla pod;
• 1 tsp agar-agar;
• powdered sugar.

You need to pour the almond milk into the pan, add a vanilla pod, bring to a boil and turn off the stove. Add agar-agar, mix, pour into molds and refrigerate. To prepare the coulis sauce, puree the raspberries, add powdered sugar and cool. Then add to blancmange - you get a low-fat and moderately sweet dessert.

Almond milk in cosmetology

Almond milk has long been used for face and body care and is included in many skin cosmetics. The homemade product can be used as a cleanser or lotion. Almond milk normalizes metabolism and restores the skin, softening it, cleansing it, increasing firmness and elasticity. The product helps heal sunburn - all you need to do is lubricate the affected areas.

Warning! Almond milk has a slight whitening effect. You should not use it if you need to maintain your tan.

You can use the product as a hair conditioner before washing and add it to masks. The product will help get rid of dandruff and itching, strengthen your hair and give it a beautiful shine.

Homemade Almond Milk Recipe

Almond milk cannot be found in every store, and manufacturers often add preservatives. Therefore, it is better to prepare the drink yourself. It’s not difficult, and you only need a few ingredients: almond kernels, water, and optionally honey, vanillin or other sweetener.

Instructions on how to make almond milk at home:

1. Pour water into the nuts in a ratio of 1:3 and leave overnight until they soak and swell.
2. Scald the almonds with boiling water, wait 15 minutes and remove the skin - it will come off easily after the manipulations. To make almond milk a nice creamy shade, you need to lightly roast the nuts and use them together with the peel.
3. Pour the kernels with a glass of water and grind in a blender, preferably in several approaches for 10-15 minutes. To add piquant notes to the drink, you can mix the raw materials with dates, bananas or dried apricots.
4. When the color becomes saturated, wrap the nuts in several layers of gauze and squeeze. You can sweeten with honey or vanilla, add cinnamon.

Advice! Do not throw away leftover almonds after preparing milk. Nut crumbs can be used as an ingredient for sweets, cookies, and salads.

Possible harm and contraindications

Almonds are a strong allergen, so you should not use almond milk if you are intolerant to nuts. If consumed excessively, a number of side effects are possible:

• dizziness;
• overexcitement;
• heart rhythm disturbance;
• in diseases of the thyroid gland - the development of goiter.

Almond milk cannot replace breast milk for a newborn. It can only be introduced into the diet along with complementary foods. Store-bought milk contains sugar, so if you have diabetes or are overweight, you need to be careful.

Selecting and storing almond milk

When choosing almond milk in a store, you need to check the expiration date and integrity of the packaging, and also carefully study the composition. Manufacturers add preservatives and sweeteners to the product - the less of them, the better for health.

If carrageenan is present in almond milk, it is better not to take this drink. This supplement can cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, aggravate stomach ulcers and some heart diseases.

Homemade almond milk can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 1.5 days. It sours more slowly than cow milk, so you can give it to your child to school or take it with you to training.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of almond milk boil down to the fact that it is a worthy alternative to cow's milk, but there is a risk of an allergic reaction. The drink normalizes the functions of the stomach and intestines, improves the condition of the skin and hair. The product is low-calorie, does not contain lactose and cholesterol. You can replace cow's milk with almond milk in any recipe, add it to coffee, tea and drink it in its pure form. The soft nutty flavor and light consistency are liked by many. The product is also widely used for cosmetic purposes - for washing, as a skin lotion or hair balm.

If you are allergic to nuts, you should not consume almond milk and drink more than 200 g per day. Although the drink may benefit lactose-intolerant children, caution should be exercised when introducing it into a child's diet.

Many connoisseurs of natural products have discovered such a healthy and tasty drink as almond drink. With its help, you can not only compensate for the lack of vitamins and microelements, but also cure some diseases and reduce weight. What is contained in almond milk and are there any contraindications to its use?
Content:

What is almond milk: taste, composition, calorie content

It’s not for nothing that almond milk is considered a dietary product; the energy value of 100 g of the drink (without additives) does not exceed 70 kcal. Most of the drink consists of unsaturated fats – 5.9 g, carbohydrates are contained in the amount of 3.1 g, and proteins are 2.15 g.

Almond milk contains:

• Vitamins B, A, C, D, PP and E
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Iron
• Manganese

Almond milk is a product of plant origin. This is an excellent alternative to dairy products for those who are lactose intolerant. If we compare it with milk made from soy, wheat and poppy seeds, then the almond drink is significantly superior in terms of taste.

Almond milk has a neutral, nutty taste, which allows it to be added to tea, coffee, and used to make porridge, smoothies, and various desserts.

Almond milk is a dietary product and contains many vitamins and microelements.

Benefits of almond milk

An almond drink can completely replace cow's milk, because it is no less healthy. This is an essential product for vegetarians and people who are lactose intolerant. In addition, it can be consumed during fasting.

Just one glass of the drink can satisfy your hunger and allows you to replenish the deficiency of vitamin E by 50%, vitamin D by 25% and calcium by 30%.

The glycemic index of the product is quite low, it does not affect blood sugar levels. That is why it is so popular among athletes and people who watch their weight.

The benefits of almond milk are simply enormous; its regular use:

• Helps strengthen and develop muscle tissue
• Keeps your mind active and strengthens your memory
• Cleanses the body of harmful substances
• Helps normalize the production of gastric juice
• Relieves headaches
• Has a positive effect on vision
• Helps strengthen hair and nails
• Improves skin condition by protecting it from harmful radiation
• Positively affects male potency
• Has a mild laxative effect, relieves
• Helps improve sleep
• Normalizes blood pressure
• Strengthens bone tissue

In addition, the drink is used to prevent diabetes, heart disease, asthma, arthritis and osteoporosis.

Almond milk is a natural, healthy product that has a positive effect on human health.

Can almond milk be given to children?

Many children, like adults, cannot consume dairy products due to the nature of their bodies. Can they be replaced with almond milk? Of course yes! It does not contain lactose, and if the child does not have a nut allergy, then it can be safely introduced into the diet.

Almond drink can be used to prepare baby cereals or used as an independent form of feeding. In addition, you can use it to prepare yogurt by adding a special starter. And, although the taste of the dish is quite specific, this allows you to get healthy prebiotics.

After just 2 weeks of drinking almond milk, the child’s bowel habits improve, stool normalizes, and skin rashes decrease. This product should be introduced, like any complementary food, at the age of 6-8 months. There is no need to give a large volume at once; a single dose should be increased gradually, starting with one teaspoon.

In order for a drink made from almond kernels to bring maximum benefits, you should limit its consumption to 200 ml per day. It is important to understand that almond milk cannot replace a nutritious diet; the child must receive nutrients from other sources.

Almond milk does not contain lactose and, in the absence of an allergic reaction to almonds, can be introduced into the child’s diet from 6 months.

Harmfulness of almond milk

Milk from unripe, bitter almonds can harm the body. This is fraught with poisoning, so you need to choose the main ingredient responsibly. In addition, almonds are a very strong allergen. Before enjoying a nut drink, it is important to make sure there is no allergic reaction.

And of course, excessive consumption of almond milk will not bring benefits and may negatively affect your well-being. Possible reactions include:

• Mild drug intoxication
• Overexcitement
• Heart rhythm disturbance

When consuming almond milk, you must observe moderation, otherwise unpleasant sensations may occur.

Homemade almond milk

In developed countries, almond milk is quite common and can be bought in any supermarket. However, tetrapack products often contain many preservatives and not very healthy additives. Therefore, real gourmets prefer to prepare this delicious drink on their own.

To prepare a glass of milk you will need:

• Handful of almond kernels
• A glass of warm boiled water
• Sweetener to taste (honey, vanilla, etc.)

To begin with, almonds should be soaked by filling them with water in a ratio of 1 to 3 for 12 hours. During this time, the nuts will get wet and swell.

Then you need to remove the skin from the nuts. To do this, pour boiling water over them and let them stand for 15 minutes.

After mixing the peeled almond kernels with a glass of warm boiled water, you can start grinding them using a blender. It is best to do this in several approaches of 10–15 minutes.

When the drink becomes rich white, squeeze out the nuts. For this purpose, gauze folded in 5-6 layers or regular linen fabric is suitable.
The drink is ready. If desired, you can sweeten it with honey, vanilla, add cinnamon or other additives to taste.

Almond milk should be stored in a cool place for no more than 4 days.

In addition, true connoisseurs of this delicacy know some secrets of its preparation:

• If the blender is an old model and does not have much power, you need to grind the nuts through a meat grinder and only then start chopping.
• If you don’t have the equipment, the drink can be made from almond flour, buying it in the supermarket or making it yourself using a coffee grinder.
• To give the milk a creamy color and a richer, nutty flavor, you need to use lightly roasted almonds with their skins for cooking.
• You can add a special piquancy to the drink by chopping nuts along with dates, dried apricots or banana.

There is no need to rush and throw away the leftovers after preparing the milk. Nut crumbs are useful for making sweets, cookies or salad.
Making almond milk is quite simple, you just need to have nuts and water on hand, and also know some secrets of its preparation.

3 best recipes using almond milk

In the case when the drink is prepared in large quantities and its shelf life is coming to an end, or you just want to try something new, you can make several delicious desserts.

Smoothie. Place 1 small banana in a glass of milk and puree with a blender. When the mixture becomes homogeneous, add 3-4 tablespoons of ice cream and beat thoroughly.

Panna cotta. Mix a glass of cream and almond milk in a ratio of 1 to 1, add vanilla sugar. Bring the resulting mixture to a boil over low heat (but do not boil), and add gelatin according to the instructions on the package. Pour the resulting mixture into molds and refrigerate for 3-4 hours. Garnish with coconut, jam or fruit smoothie if desired.

Soup. Separately cook 50 g of rice. Place almond milk on low heat, add rice, a little salt and sugar, and boil for 5-7 minutes. After the soup has cooled a little, add a cube of butter and a handful of raisins.

Almond milk can add special sophistication to dishes.

While watching the video you will learn about the almond milk recipe.

It's always interesting to try something new, especially if it's healthy and tasty. Almond is a natural vitamin cocktail that you can prepare yourself. Just a glass of the drink can significantly improve your health, but you should still not abuse it.