A handful of almonds for mindful eating and prioritizing family health
Chennai, 3rd February 2023:With an aim to educate consumers on the importance of mindful eating, Almond Board of California, today, hosted a session around ‘Prioritising mindful eating: the new mantra for holistic family health’. The discussion focused on the importance of eating healthy foods to ensure holistic health for our families and us. The session featured well-known Renowned Indian television & film actress, Nisha Ganesh, as well asSheela Krishnaswamy, Nutritionist & Wellness Consultant, andwas moderated by RJ Shruthi.
In the fast-paced lifestyle we live in, we often see people binge eating sometimes due to work stress, sometimes due to the way consumption patterns have been since ages, and sometimes itis just habitual. Intake of calorie-dense foods like sweets and sugar-based foods is also a routine when it comes to certain delicacies or occasions. Hence, mindful eating becomes even more necessary as it aids in gaining control over one’s eating habits. Mindful eating helps in maintaining an in-moment awareness while consuming food. Foods such as almonds have been a part of the Indian traditions and food habits for thousands of years now, and their health benefits have been widely quoted in Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha texts. However, a lesser-known fact of almonds is that a handful of almonds may have satiating properties that promote feelings of fullness, which may keep hunger at bay between meals[1]. Snacking on healthy foods like almonds not only keeps us from munching on junk foods but also ensures that our body gets nutrition, as almonds are a source of 15 nutrients such as vitamin E, magnesium, protein, riboflavin, zinc, etc.
Speaking about the benefits of regular almond consumption, the panellists spoke about howalmonds, which are a source of protein and are high in dietary fiber, can help in maintaining blood sugar levels, may improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes and help lower the blood sugar impact of carbohydrate foods, which affects fasting insulin levels.[2]Nutrients like zinc, folate and iron, that are present in almonds and other foods, contribute to normal functioning of the immune system. Focusing on the significance of healthy eating, the panellists discussed the multiple lifestyle disorders likeweight management, type-2 diabetes and heart health,and that making minor alterations like adding a handful of almonds as part of one’s daily routine can easily help in maintaining good health, and in staying fit consistently. Through the session, the panellists also urged families across the city to inculcate healthier eating habits and inspire other friends and extended family members to instil this change. During the discussion, both panellists also shared
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[2]Li, S.-C., Y.-H. Liu, W.-H. Chang, C.-M. Chen, C.-Y. O. Chen, J.-F. Liu. Almond consumption improved glycemic control and lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes. Metabolism 2011; 60(4): 474-9
Cohen AE, Johnston CS. Almond ingestion at mealtime reduces postprandial glycemia and chronic ingestion reduces hemoglobin A1c in individuals with well-controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metabolism 2011; 60(9): 1312-1317
Mori AM, Considine RV, Mattes, RD. 2011. Acute and second-meal effects of almond form in impaired glucose tolerant adults: a randomized crossover trial. Nutrition and Metabolism
