How to Include Almonds in Child's Diet? Recipes & Its Benefits

Almonds are not just a winter thing! This is the all-season recipe for children & adults equally. Remember your mother telling you to soak and eat a few almonds every day? And not just that, milk, halwa and other goodies made or flavored with almonds are delicious! Almonds bring a whole bag of benefits for your child. Read on to find out why you must include almonds in your child’s diet every day.

In this blog, our nutritionist Puja Vasisht shares the benefits of almonds, along with some easy recipes.

What Are The Benefits of Almonds For Your Child?

Almonds are not only a rich source of monounsaturated fats, (associated with a healthy heart) but also provide some very essential nutrients to our daily diet, such as-

1. Promotes Strong Bones: The high phosphorus content helps in bone and teeth strength and durability. Your child is at a lower risk of getting osteoporosis later in life, too.
2. Immunity Building: Almonds are also a rich source of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps in strengthening immunity.
3. Brain Development: Being rich in B-complex vitamins and vitamin E also helps in improving memory and concentration. Almonds contains two important brain nutrients - riboflavin and L-carnitine. These help in increased brain activity and creating new neural pathways.
4. Good Fats & Proteins: Almonds are a good source of healthy MUFA fats and proteins- they are 20% proteins. They make a good snack for children as they have both high energy and protein needs. Almonds also contribute to a healthy heart.
5. Fiber: Say goodbye to constipation with a few almonds a day. The high fiber content in almonds makes them an efficient remedy for constipation.
6. Healthy Skin: A nice almond oil massage is a great way to keep your child’s skin healthy and glowing.

How to Include Almonds in Your Child’s Diet?

A few almonds daily can go a long way in contributing to your child’s good health. To mix things up a little, here are some recipes that you can try out. Your child will love them!

#1. Prepare Yummy Almond Milk

Ingredients:

1. Almond, 50 grams
2. Milk, 250 ml
3. Dates, 3-4

Method to Prepare:

1. Soak almonds overnight
2. Remove the peel and grind to a fine paste
3. Boil the milk, add the almond paste and chopped dates
4. Simmer for a few minutes
5. Serve hot or cold as per your child’s preference

#2. Delicious Almond Laddoo

Ingredients: 

1. Almonds, one cup
2. Raisins, half cup
3. Dates, half cup

Method to Prepare:

1. Grind almonds coarsely
2. In blender mash raisins and dates separately
3. Combine the almonds and dried fruits mash
4. Roll into small balls

ParentuneTip: These can be a quick breakfast or evening snacks for your child.

#3. Scrumptious Candied Almonds

Ingredients:

1. Water, 1/2 cup
2. White sugar, 1 cup
3. Cinnamon powder, 1 tablespoon
4. Whole almonds, 2 cups

Method to Prepare:

1. Mix the cinnamon powder and sugar in the water, and heat in a pan
2. When it begins to boil, introduce the almonds
3. Keep stirring until the water evaporates and a syrupy coating forms on the almonds
4. Transfer the almonds to a sheet of foil and separate them with a fork
5. Once they cool, you can serve them

Do try these recipes at home and then leave your views and feedback in the comments section below. Would love to hear from you all.