3 Amazing Health Benefits Of Almond & Almond Milk For Babies

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Has your baby started eating solids and is over eight or nine months of age? Are you planning to start your baby on some healthy nuts? Well, if you can relate to the above situations you may want to give this post a read.

Almonds are famous for their nutritional value. Are you wondering whether almonds are a good choice for your baby at this age? The article here tells you about almonds and almond milk, their health benefits and whether can babies have almond milk. Want to know more? Check out this post!

What Are Almonds?

Almonds are available in two forms – sweet almonds and bitter almonds. Sweet almonds are the popular variety of almonds. Almond oil is an extract of sweet almonds. Bitter almonds are also a common kitchen ingredient. Unlike what the name suggests, it is not bitter, and you can easily consume it.

Nutritional Facts Of Almonds:

Here is a nutritional chart that highlights the nutritional value of almonds:

Almonds (Prunus dulcis), Nutritional value per 100 gram of almonds (Source: USDA National Nutrient data base)
Principle	Nutrient Value	Percentage of RDA
Energy	575 Kcal	29%
Carbohydrates	21.67 g	16%
Protein	21.22 g	38%
Total Fat	49.42 g	165%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Dietary Fiber	12.20 g	30%
Vitamins
Folates	50 µg	12.5%
Niacin	3.385 mg	21%
Pantothenic acid	0.47 mg	9%
Pyridoxine	0.143 mg	11%
Riboflavin	1.014 mg	78%
Thiamin	0.211 mg	16%
Vitamin A	1 IU	0%
Vitamin C	0 mg	0%
Vitamin E	26 mg	173%
Electrolytes
Sodium	1 mg	0%
Potassium	705 mg	15%
Minerals
Calcium	264 mg	26%
Copper	0.996 mg	110%
Iron	3.72 mg	46.5%
Magnesium	268 mg	67%
Manganese	2.285 mg	99%
Phosphorus	484 mg	69%
Selenium	2.5 µg	4.5%
Zinc	3.08 mg	28%
Phyto-nutrients
Carotene-ß	1 µg	—
Crypto-xanthinß	0 µg	—
Lutein-zeaxanthin	1 µg	—

Health Benefits Of Almonds For Babies:

Here are some of the most common benefits of eating almonds:

1. Good For The Brain:

Almonds contain various nutrients that help the health and development of your baby’s brain. Eating almonds will also promote your baby’s intelligence levels. Almonds contain riboflavin and L-carnitine that will help increase your baby’s brain activity. These will also prevent the occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease in later years.

[ Read: Benefits Of Dry Fruits For Babies ]

2. Controls Cholesterol:

Though this benefit may not help your baby right now, but eating almonds will help keep cholesterol levels in check as he grows. Avoid salted or sugar-coated almonds. (1)

3. Prevents Diabetes:

Eating almonds prevents the occurrence of diabetes in later years. Among nuts almonds are the richest in nutrients and contain the highest amount of Vitamin E (2) Eating almonds can prevent diabetes as they have low glycemic index.

Side Effects Of Almonds:

Consuming almonds in moderate quantities, will usually not cause any side effects in your baby. However, consult a pediatrician to know the right age when you can start giving almonds for baby. In case there is a family history of a nut allergy, check with your doctor first.

[ Read: Watermelon For Babies ]

How To Add Almonds For Babies Food?

Once your doctor gives the go ahead, you can introduce your baby to the goodness of almonds. It is always advisable to soak the almonds overnight in water. Peel off the outer skin in the morning and crush it to fine pieces. You can also blend almonds to a powdery texture. You can add the almond powder to your baby’s food and milk.

Almond Milk For Babies:

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Adding almonds to your baby’s milk will increase its nutritional value. It is also a good way to make your fussy baby drink the milk. If your baby is lactose intolerant, you can also add almonds in soy milk.

Here’s a recipe for babies who are a year old or more:

You Will Need:

Almonds
Milk
Oats (optional)
Sugar (optional) – you may add other sweetening ingredients like jaggery or dates after checking with your baby’s doctor
Saffron (optional)
Cardamom powder (optional)

How To Make:

Soak the almonds in water overnight

In the morning, peel off the skin. Put them in a blender along with a little milk. Blend it to a smooth consistency.
In a pan, pour the milk and bring it to a boil on low or medium flame. You can also add the oats while boiling to make it a complete meal.
Add saffron, sugar and cardamom powder and stir.
Add the almond paste and stir. Remove from the heat.
Strain the milk through a sieve to remove any thick particles.

[ Read: Orange Juice For Babies ]

Now you know how to make almond milk for babies at home. So, why wait? Go ahead and make this healthy and tasty treat to pamper your precious baby now!

Have you started adding almonds to your baby’s diet? Does your baby enjoy almonds in other foods or do you also make almond milk at home? Do share your almond recipes for babies with other moms here.