Celebrate Health and Well-being with A Handful of Almonds!

India, 1st April 2022: Every year, World Health Day is celebrated on 7th April to raise awareness around the health and well-being of people across the globe. The agenda behind this day is to draw people’s attention to urgent actions needed to keep humans and the planet healthy and foster a movement to create societies focused on well-being.  

With rising health concerns such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease taking the world by storm, it has become imperative to take care of ourselves and our well-being. One way of improving our general health and well-being is by incorporating mindful eating habits. Restraining from fatty, sugary fast foods and drinks and resorting to healthier meals and snacks can be the first step towards a healthy life.  Almonds are a great example of such foods that have a host of health benefits. They provide vitamin E, copper, zinc, folate and iron – all of which help strengthen the immune system – and are a good source of dietary fibre.  

Speaking about health in general, Ritika Samaddar, Regional Head - Dietetics, Max Healthcare – Delhi mentioned, “Consumption of calorie-rich, fatty and sugary foods have become popular amongst people today - especially the younger generation. The binge-eating culture, too, has gained popularity. However, we must understand these have a negative impact on long-term health. On this World Health Day, let us take a pledge to switch to healthier foods and snacks like almonds. Full of essential nutrients, a handful of almonds can be your perfect satiating snack. Eating almonds daily can also individuals with diabetes and prediabetes, as this can help manage blood sugar as part of a healthy diet¹. Almonds can also help promote heart health for those with diabetes by improving cholesterol levels and reducing levels of heart-damaging inflammation² when included in a healthy diet.” 

Sheela Krishnaswamy, Nutrition and Wellness Consultant commented, “It’s very common today for most of us to indulge in food for instant gratification. Unhealthy binge-eating might feel satisfying today but leads to problems down the road. So it is important to be in control of the foods we consume and make healthier eating choices on a daily basis. This World Health Day - make a choice to incorporate healthier foods like almonds into your diet. Almonds are a source of 15 nutrients such as vitamin E, magnesium, protein, riboflavin, zinc etc essential for proper functioning of one’s body³.” 

Integrative Nutritionist and Health Coach, Neha Ranglani said, “Most of us love to indulge in feasting and bingeing on foods on various occasions like festivals, weddings etc. Along with sedentary life people live today, it leads to an array of health problems like obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases. So, it is important to be mindful of the lifestyle we follow and the food habits we have. This World Health Day, I would recommend everyone to make a few simple yet significant changes in their lives. It can be taking the stairs to go up instead of an elevator, swapping sugary drinks with a glass of water or fries with a handful of crunchy almonds, etc. It has also been noted that regular almond consumption can be beneficial to the immune system as they provide several nutrients known to support immunity such as copper, iron, folate, zinc and vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant to support pulmonary immune function. Vitamin E is also known to offer protection against infections caused by viruses and bacteria.'' 

Leading Bollywood Actress, Soha Ali Khan said, “Times are such that it has become imperative for each of us to take care of our health, not just physically but emotionally and mentally as well. So, it is important that we tweak our eating habits and lifestyle according to the changing times and give our body the essential nutrients it requires. Today, as we celebrate World Health Day, let’s take our first step to healthy eating. Incorporating healthy and natural foods like a handful of almonds into our diet is the best way to begin. Being mindful about a balanced diet helps keep us active and rejuvenated. It’s the first step in ensuring your and your family's well-being.”

According to the well-known Fitness and Celebrity Instructor, Yasmin Karachiwala, “Regular exercise and a nutritious diet are key to a healthy lifestyle. On this World Health Day, I would urge everyone to take their health more seriously. Adding exercise to our daily routine helps in maintaining a good lifestyle. It is also important to avoid eating unhealthy foods - almonds can be a brilliant substitute for such food items. Almonds are rich in a variety of nutrients and fibre. They are a healthy source of energy and on eating daily will help keep you full and energetic throughout the day.” 

Renowned Indian television & film actress Nisha Ganesh said, “For me, my family’s health has always been my utmost priority. So, to keep fit and well, I make sure that my entire family eats a handful of almonds every day. This daily routine helps support my own and my family’s immunity as they are a source of copper, zinc, and iron – each of which is a nutrient that contributes to the growth, development, maintenance and normal functioning of the immune system. ⁴This World Health Day, I am going to continue doing the same and would request everyone to add almonds into their diet and take their first step towards a healthy lifestyle.” 

Kannada Actress and Celebrity, Priyanka Upendra said, “In our fast-paced lifestyle, it is crucial to take good care of your health and well-being. And in these changing times, adapting to newer and convenient ways gets us one step closer to achieving healthier results. So, what better day than World Health Day to start the journey to good health and well-being. My suggestion to everyone is, to begin with including nuts such as almonds in their diet. Apart from being a source of 15 nutrients such as vitamin E, protein, riboflavin, calcium etc., almonds are a healthy source of energy which help in staying active and given the vitamin E content, may also support pulmonary immune function.⁵ Almonds also provide healthy fats, protein and fibre, all of which can help promote feelings of fullness that can keep your cravings under control.” 

Health is the ultimate wealth - the pandemic has been a big indicator of that. So, let’s pledge to live a healthier and happier life on this World Health Day!