Wow, the taste. Who would have thought that homemade almond milk could taste so good? I did not. It felt like I was tasting the added nutrients in its delicious creamy texture. Let’s be honest, almond milk is an acquired taste, but this is as delicious as almond milk gets. It had a consistency unlike I’d tasted with any store-bought almond milk before. There is no going back.
I decided to make almond milk because I read the ingredients of the almond milk that I normally buy, the list began with the words – almond base. It was a little confusing. Shouldn’t it be just almonds, and water? The “base” gave me the impression that it was less almond and more other stuff. It said filtered water and almonds, and after doing a little research, I found out that not all almond milk is created equal. Companies use different amounts of almonds, and varieties of fillers to thicken and stabilize their version of almond milk.
So I chose to make my own, it looked simple enough. I bought some almonds from the organic store (blanched – means skin off); albeit, almonds are a part of my staple of nut snacks. I also bought a cotton cheesecloth and a one-litre glass bottle with a wide rim ( easier to clean). I already had the blender.
I read and watched a couple of online videos on making it. I soaked the almonds in some water (filtered water) overnight. I rinsed and poured one cup of almonds into my Ninja blender, along with two cups of filtered water and blended. I dumped it into the cheesecloth placed over my glass measuring cup. And I squeezed the liquid out of the pulp, voila, almond milk. Some said to add honey or maple syrup to sweeten. I had a little sip and its natural sweetness was enough for me, plus I use dates to sweeten my shakes. My shakes are the main reason I need a milky substance, but I also use this lactose-free plant-based milk for pancakes or baking. Since there are no preservatives I make sure to use it within 3-5 days.
Ladies, it was this simple!
I was so excited about it that I wanted to share it and show you how easy it was to make. Supermarkets and prepackaged food offer us convenience – our modern-day lifestyle requires it. And this falls right in line: it literally will take you five minutes, or a maximum of 10. This video took about 15 minutes to make, but that’s only because I was filming and making sure I had everything in the frame, it literally takes five minutes to make it once the almonds have been soaked and you get the hang of it.
Check out the health benefits for us 50 and beyond!
Natural almonds offer several health benefits for postmenopausal women, thanks to their rich nutrient profile. Here are some key benefits:
Bone Health
- Calcium and Magnesium:
- Almonds are a good source of calcium and magnesium, essential for maintaining bone density and preventing osteoporosis.
The science
“From the various studies carried out on the serum concentration of Mg and its relationship with the bone, it has been shown that lower values are related to the presence of osteoporosis and that about 30-40% of the subjects analyzed (mainly menopausal women) have hypomagnesaemia.” PubMed article, An Update on Magnesium and Bone Health
Heart Health
- Healthy Fats:
- Almonds are high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease.
- Antioxidants:
- Vitamin E in almonds acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative damage and reducing inflammation.
The science
Oxidation has been linked to numerous possible conditions and diseases, including cancer, ageing, arthritis and cataracts; vitamin E has been shown to be effective against these. PubMed article, The Role of Vitamin E in Human Health and Some Diseases, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles /PMC3997530/
Weight Management
- Satiety:
- The protein, fibre, and healthy fats in almonds help promote a feeling of fullness, which can aid in weight management and prevent weight gain.
Blood Sugar Control
- Low Glycemic Index:
- Almonds have a low glycemic index, which helps stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Brain Health
- Vitamin E:
- The high vitamin E content in almonds is associated with reduced cognitive decline and improved brain function.
Skin Health
- Antioxidants and Healthy Fats:
- The antioxidants and healthy fats in almonds support skin health, helping to maintain elasticity and hydration, which can be beneficial as skin tends to dry with age.
What are antioxidants? To summarize the Heathline.com article, Antioxidants Explained in Simple Terms. Antioxidants are molecules that neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage your cells. When the levels of free radicals in your body become too high, they can cause harm and are associated with various illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Digestive Health
- Fiber:
- Almonds are high in fibre, which aids in digestion and helps prevent constipation.
Overall Nutrient Boost
- Vitamins and Minerals:
- Besides calcium and magnesium, almonds provide other essential nutrients like vitamin B2 (riboflavin), phosphorus, and copper, which contribute to overall health and well-being.
Almond milk provides health benefits, that help postmenopausal women manage their health and well-being more effectively.
So, it’s good for you and it’s quick and easy. No excuses.
