The saying “Health is wealth” highlights the importance of prioritizing our well-being, as it directly impacts our overall health and quality of life. This year’s World Health Day, observed annually on April 7 with the theme “My Health, My Right,” emphasizes the idea that taking care of our health is our own responsibility and a fundamental right. Maintaining good health requires prioritizing a balanced diet, as nutrition plays a crucial role. This highlights the significance of including foods such as green leafy vegetables, almonds, and seasonal fruits, which are rich in essential nutrients. Incorporating nutritious almonds into our diet can offer numerous health benefits, including improved blood sugar regulation, heart health, skin health, and weight management.
Almonds offer a comprehensive array of nutrients essential for maintaining optimal health. Packed with 15 essential nutrients, including vitamin E, magnesium, protein, riboflavin, and zinc, almonds serve as a vital support system for overall well-being. The magnesium, protein, and vitamins B2 and E contained in almonds contribute to sustained energy levels, while copper, zinc, folate, and iron aid in bolstering immunity. Moreover, these powerhouses of energy and nutrition play a pivotal role in weight management due to their satiating properties and help minimize the impact of carbohydrate foods on blood sugar levels.
Incorporating these nuts into a balanced diet can also lead to reductions in total and LDL cholesterol levels, as well as mitigating heart-damaging inflammation. Additionally, the healthy fats and vitamin E present in almonds impart anti-aging properties, nurturing skin health and radiance. So, integrating almonds into your daily diet can provide a multitude of health benefits, supporting overall well-being, vitality, and longevity.
Commenting on World Health Day, Ritika Samaddar, Regional Head – Dietetics, Max Healthcare, Delhi said, “In today’s hectic lifestyle, prioritizing our health can be a challenge, especially when it comes to maintaining a nutritious diet. This World Health Day, let’s pledge to prioritize our health as a fundamental right and commit to it wholeheartedly. I recommend embracing a clean and balanced diet while avoiding fried or junk food. Additionally, I strongly advocate for incorporating a handful of almonds into our daily diet, given their rich array of essential nutrients. Packed with vital nutrients such as protein, dietary fiber, healthy fats, vitamins E and B2, as well as minerals like phosphorus and magnesium, almonds serve as a convenient and wholesome snack.”
Sheela Krishnaswamy, a renowned Nutrition and Wellness consultant said, “Almonds are a remarkable nutrient powerhouse, providing a wide array of health benefits that enhance our overall well-being. Packed with 15 essential nutrients, almonds help maintain healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels, among many other health advantages. By integrating almonds into our daily routines, we actively strive for better health, asserting our entitlement to a healthy lifestyle and resonating with the ‘My Health, My Right’ theme of World Health Day.”
On World Health Day, Yasmin Karachiwala, Celebrity Pilates Master Instructor emphasizes the importance of staying active and energetic. She said, “A balanced diet and consistent exercise are paramount for sustaining a healthy lifestyle. I strongly advocate engaging in physical activity at least five days a week to foster vitality and well-being. Additionally, prioritizing nutrient-dense foods, especially through home-cooked meals, is crucial. Incorporating foods like almonds, green leafy vegetables, and seasonal fruits enriches our diet with essential nutrients. Almonds serve as an ideal snack, aiding in hunger management and facilitating weight maintenance. These nuts boast a rich profile of 15 essential nutrients, including protein, zinc, magnesium, iron, and folate, among others.”
Popular South Indian actress Pranitha Subash said, “Incorporating almonds into my regular routine has noticeably enhanced my overall well-being and energy levels. These versatile nuts complement a variety of dishes and snacks, providing an extra nutritional boost to my diet. I encourage everyone to adopt healthier food habits, such as consuming handful of almonds, which can significantly improve their physical well-being and contribute to a more balanced lifestyle. Additionally, almonds have played a role in keeping me active throughout the day and maintaining radiant skin.”
On this World Health Day, let us reflect on the significance of taking charge of our health and making informed choices regarding our diet and eating habits. Embracing nutrient-dense foods, such as almonds, can particularly serve as a cornerstone in our pursuit of optimal health.