The fruit of the cashew tree is an achene (dry fruit that doesn’t open spontaneously), which has the distinction of having one stalk that hypertrophies itself as the fruit matures. This magnification gives the stem a pear shape, called cashew apple, its hue ranging from yellowish to reddish. This is a sort of a false fleshy fruit whose vinous flavor is popular to natives including Brazil. But it is not the stalk, succulent as it is, that we are interested in today but the nut that is suspended to it. This is the actual fruit, cashew nuts contained in its hard shell and smooth gray or sepia. Each false fruit called “cashew apple” has at its end a single nut which explains the high price of cashew nuts.

History of cashews

There are eight species of Anacardium, all from tropical America. The species Western Anacardium is by far the most important economically. It is native to northeastern Brazil. This region lies between the rainforests of the Atlantic and Amazon.

There are 33 900 km² of these plantations in the world. Basically, 0.0227% of the land surface on the planet is covered with cashew. This figure is not negligible. The main reason is that each tree yields only 200 to 300 nuts per year. The yield is very low, and especially in some countries, including India, that dedicates a huge surface to it.

The Tupi, therefore, left their Acaju grow in peace when Portuguese sailors landed, who have tasted and loved it, and then introduced them into their second home in India, Goa, after a stop in Mozambique in 1578. From there, cashew spread itself throughout the Asian continent, that found it very suitable, and in Africa as well.

Cashews were domesticated long before the arrival of Europeans. The Portuguese found the cashew tree (the tree that produces nuts) in 1538. They introduced cashews in their colonies in India and Africa not long after. In India, the first cashew tree was planted for erosion control. Its culture to produce nut and false fruit came much later.

International trade for these little nuts dates from before 1920, when the Indians found an effective technique to remove the caustic oil hull. Cashew then became an essential food in Indian cuisine.

Cashew is now produced in 32 countries worldwide, with the top ten, in order of importance, Vietnam, India, Nigeria, Brazil, Tanzania, Indonesia, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Mozambique and Benin. It now ranks first in the production of nuts, which has exceeded almonds in 2003.

Cashew nuts and health

Cashew is made of 49% fat, 19% protein and 21% carbohydrates. The rest is distributed in water and fiber. Contrary to popular belief, this is not one of the fattest fruit husk and oilseeds: except chestnuts and pistachios, with lower fat content, and sunflower seeds, with equivalent fat content, cashews are less fat than almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, Brazil nuts, macadamias and pecans. With their richness in protein, fiber and fat, cashews are actually a low glycemic index food, and as well a high satiating power food. Therefore, it iserfect  as part of a diet because it can, in moderate amounts, avoid leaving you hungry.

In addition to its complete protein, making it a very interesting food in a vegetable diet, cashew nut is rich in monounsaturated fats or omega-9. It is therefore not part of the “essential” fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6, because the body cannot produce these itself. However their effect on health is not less important. These are the “good” fatty acids that are also found in olive oil and most oilseeds. They are beneficial to cardiovascular health by lowering LDL, or ‘bad cholesterol’.

Cashew nuts are extremely rich in magnesium, a mineral that plays a key role in neuromuscular transmission of nerve impulses – a natural anti-stress, a large part of the Western population is sadly deficient in it. The relaxing and normalizing action of magnesium on the muscles, vessels and nerves, relieves pain – including those associated with PMS and migraines. Besides cashews, it is mainly found in plant foods: whole grains and legumes, seeds and nuts, wheat germ and brewer’s yeast and finally cocoa and green leafy vegetables.

Cashew is also very rich in copper and phosphorus, two important minerals for our body as they are both necessary for the formation and repair of our tissues. Phosphorus is also essential to the health of our bones and our teeth, to maintain a normal pH in the blood (which allows us to fight against osteoporosis).

But that’s not all … cashew is also rich in iron and zinc, two minerals that are often lacking in Western populations – mainly women. Iron is essential for red blood cell formation: vegetable-based, it will ensure the support of a vitamin C source (citrus fruits, vegetables, etc.) to absorb vitamin C well. Zinc is also an important mineral involved in immune reactions and tissue healing. For women again, it plays a vital role in enabling the development of the fetus and the thyroid hormones.

Add to that a richness in antioxidants and vitamin E, essential to enable our cells to fight against free radicals.

Beware, however: like all oilseeds, cashew has a strong allergenic potential, due to its content of oleoresin and toxins. Please, pay attention not to introduced it too early in the diet of children.

The extract of cashew nuts, an effective anti-diabetic

Cashew contains many virtues under its shell to begin with a high vitamin E intake and calories with 500 calories per 100g approximatively. In India, cashew consumption is even recommended to replenish energy, mixed with milk and brown sugar. Cashew is also known for its oil which is introduced in many pharmaceutical products for psoriasis, eczema or ulcers. Cashew nuts have less fat. They are rich in copper, magnesium, vitamin C and potassium.

New scientific articles show that cashew extracts could be effective and promising antidiabetics, according to a recent study from the University of Montreal published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research. This study analyzed the benefits on diabetes that show the effect on the body from the different products of cashew trees. In particular, the authors investigated whether cashew extracts could improve the response of the body to its own insulin¹.

Diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar due to the inability of the body to respond or produce enough insulin. This disease, which affects about 220 million people worldwide, can cause heart or kidney disease. The objective of the study was to examine the impact of leaves, bark, nuts and cashew apples from the north-east Brazil and other countries of the Southern hemisphere on cells that respond to insulin. “Of all the extracts tested, only cashew extract significantly stimulated blood sugar absorption by muscle cells, said the director of this research, Pierre S. Haddad, Professor of pharmacology at the Faculty of medicine of the University of Montreal. Extracts of other elements of this plant did not have the same effect, suggesting that the cashew extract contains active substances with potential antidiabetic properties. “

The cashew tree products have long been known to have anti-inflammatory effects, to counter the rise of blood sugar and prevent insulin resistance among diabetics. “Our study validates the traditional use that is made of the cashew tree products in diabetes and has discovered that some of its natural elements could be used to create new oral therapies,” said Professor Haddad who is also director of research Team in Aboriginal antidiabetic medicines, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the University of Montreal.

Certainly the cashew benefits are well proven, and it would be a shame to miss them!

How to make homemade cashew milk?

For 1 litre of cashew milk

Ingredients:

• 1 litre of water
• 100 g of cashew nuts
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 tsp of sweet (agave syrup, maple syrup) or 2 dates

Preparation:

1. Soak nuts in a bowl of water 2 to 6 hours in advance.
2. Take a colander and rinse cashew nuts well by passing them under the water. Drain them.
3. Add the water, salt and sweetener and mix until obtaining a perfectly homogeneous liquid.
4. Pour your cashew milk in a clean bottle of glass.

Tips:

This cashew milk will be good to drink for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Its flavor is very sweet and allows you to perfectly replace cow’s milk with almond milk for your breakfast, cake recipes or other savory preparations. The great advantage of this milk compared to other homemade vegetable milks (like hazelnut milk or chestnut milk), is no need to filter it! Cashews don’t have skins like almonds or hazelnuts and they have only a small amount of pulp. The advice is to shake the bottle before drinking this cashew milk.

References

1. University of Montreal. (2010, July 14). Cashew seed extract an effective anti-diabetic, study shows. ScienceDaily.

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Researchers have yet to determine with certainty the place of origin of the coconut tree, though most of them think coconut tree came from Southeast Asia. Featuring the ability to float, the fruits were dispersed by the sea to the land in many tropical countries where they have taken root in the sandy soil of the beaches. A habitat that is particularly suitable for this plant. For coastal populations, who did not always have access to drinking water, the liquid of its immature nuts was a gift of the gods.

Over time, the coconut has colonized all parts of the planet lying between the two tropics. Several varieties have been selected for commercial exploitation, but the wild form persists in many places where the fruit is the main source of fat, protein and a number of minor , but essential, nutritional components. On this regard one can affirm that, without coconut, whole civilizations would have not emerged or, at least, would have not survived. Hence its common names of “tree of life”, “tree of wealth,” “gem of the tropics,” there are many myths surrounding its origin among the peoples where coconut grows and where it has always played a leading role.

In the West, we find little mention of the coconut before the fourteenth century, when the Italian Marco Polo reported on his famous travels in Asia. With the expansion of the Portuguese Empire in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, it became popular in Europe and later in North America.

The benefits for the health of coconut milk

The coconut milk is an excellent source of iron for men and women, while the desiccated coconut is a good source of iron in particular for for women, their needs being different. For its part, raw coconut is a source of iron. Each cell in the body contains iron. This mineral is essential for transporting oxygen and the formation of red blood cells.

It also plays a role in the production of new cells, hormones and neurotransmitters (messengers in the nerve impulse). It should be noted that the iron content in plants (such as coconut) is less well absorbed by the body compared to iron from animal foods. Its absorption is enhanced when used with certain nutrients, such as vitamin C.

Coconut and coconut milk are excellent sources of manganese. Manganese acts as a cofactor of several enzymes that facilitate a dozen different metabolic processes. It also helps prevent damage caused by free radicals.

The desiccated coconut and coconut milk are excellent sources of copper, while raw coconut is also a good source. As a component of several enzymes, copper is necessary for the formation of hemoglobin and collagen (protein for the structure and tissue repair) in the body. Several copper-containing enzymes also contribute to the body’s defense against free radicals.

The coconut milk is a good source of phosphorus, while the whole coconut is also a source of it. Phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral in the body after calcium. It plays a vital role in the formation and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. In addition, he participates among others in the growth and regeneration of tissue and helps maintain normal blood pH. Finally, phosphorus is one of the constituents of cellular membranes.

Desiccated coconut is a good source of selenium, while raw coconut and coconut milk are also good sources of it. This mineral works with a major antioxidant enzymes, thus preventing the formation of free radicals in the body. It also helps to convert the thyroid hormone to its active form.

The desiccated coconut and coconut milk are sources of magnesium. Magnesium is involved in bone development, construction of proteins, enzyme action, muscle contraction, dental health and functioning of the immune system. It also plays a role in energy metabolism and in the transmission of nerve impulses.

The desiccated coconut and coconut milk are sources of potassium. In the body, it is used to balance the pH of the blood and stimulate the production of hydrochloric acid by the stomach, promoting digestion. In addition, it facilitates the contraction of muscles, including the heart, and is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses.

The desiccated coconut and coconut milk are sources of zinc while raw coconut is a source of zinc for women only. Zinc participates including immune reactions, manufacture of genetic material, to taste perception, in wound healing and development of the fetus. It also interacts with the thyroid hormones. In the pancreas, it is involved in the synthesis, storage and release of insulin.

The coconut milk is a source of vitamin B3. Also known as niacin, vitamin B3 is involved in many metabolic reactions and contributes particularly to the production of energy from carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and alcohol we consume. It also works in the DNA formation process, allowing normal growth and development.

The desiccated coconut is a source of pantothenic acid. Also called vitamin B5, pantothenic acid is part of a key coenzyme allowing us to adequately use the energy in the food we eat. Desiccated coconut also participated in several steps of the production of steroid hormones, neurotransmitters (messengers in the nerve impulse) and hemoglobin.

The desiccated coconut is a source of vitamin B6. Vitamin B6, also called pyridoxine, is part of coenzyme involved in the metabolism of proteins and fatty acids and the synthesis (manufacturing) of neurotransmitters (messengers in the nerve impulse). It also helps to manufacture red blood cells and allows them to carry more oxygen. Pyridoxine is also necessary for the conversion of glucose into glycogen and is working towards the proper functioning of the immune system. Finally this vitamin plays a role in the formation of certain components of nerve cells and in modulating hormone receptors.

The coconut milk is a source of folate. Folate (vitamin B9) is involved in the production of all body cells, including red blood cells. This vitamin plays an essential role in the production of genetic material (DNA, RNA), in the functioning of the nervous system and immune system, as well as in the healing of wounds and sores. As it is necessary for the production of new cells, an adequate intake is essential during periods of growth and development of the fetus.

A fatty food, but interesting from a nutritional point of view

Yet, if not abused, due to its fiber content, coconut milk can be an effective way to help control weight. The fat in coconut milk also increases metabolism and, when integrated into a diet low in calories, it helps in weight loss¹. As usual, it’s all about quantity.

To enjoy the benefits of coconut, specifically on this aspect, it still would be better to consume the coconut milk, containing more protein and less fat. We will certainly not use it in the same way but if you want to take advantage of its fiber, coconut milk will be fat enough: it is therefore reserved as often as possible for the kitchen.

An alternative to animal milk

If you consume cow’s milk, coconut milk can be a great alternative, although unlike cow’s milk, coconut milk contains only 38 grams of calcium per cup. It contributes substantially to the construction and bone strength.

As explained above, the coconut milk contains selenium, which is an antioxidant which relieves the symptoms of arthritis. In fact, selenium helps to control free radicals and reduces the risk of inflammation of the joints.

Coconut milk benefits for hair

Just like coconut oil, coconut milk can help your hair. It is often used in hair masks and fills your hair with proteins. Thus, it offers benefits for your hair in the following way:

The application of coconut milk on your scalp gives a feeling of freshness. It nourishes the hair giving you a natural moisture. You can apply some fresh coconut milk made at home. Leave it for 20 minutes and then rinse your hair as usual.

This allows you to stimulate hair follicles and hair growth, which is particularly advantageous for hair restoration when they are dry, damaged, weakened, brittle and fragile as well as split ends.

Coconut milk is used with certain other organic compounds to be extremely beneficial for hair growth. For this purpose you can mix 50 ml of coconut milk with 100 ml of still water and add a few tablespoons of camphor oil to the mixture.

The mixture is very useful for people with hair loss problems. Massage your scalp including bald spots with this mixture and leave for several hours by placing a towel over your head, and then rinse with warm water.

Coconut milk acts as a conditioner for your hair, all you have to do is rub a little coconut milk while combing your hair. Just rub a small amount of coconut milk where the tangles are and comb through them.

Coconut milk will not only help mitigate the nodes, but also make your hair smooth and shiny. t provides you with longer and thicker hair. You can take equal amounts of coconut milk and shampoo in your hands and rinse your hair as usual.

Coconut milk will make your shampoo foam as you have never seen (like coconut oil), so you use less shampoo and do something good for your hair!

Coconut milk benefits for the skin

Whether ingested or applied locally, coconut milk is great for your skin. It is rich in vitamin A, C, calcium, iron and natural proteins that contribute to a healthy and radiant skin. The various benefits of coconut milk for the skin are the followings:

Because of its soothing, coconut milk is an excellent moisturizer for dry skin. Try adding a cup of rose petals, half a cup of rose water and a cup of coconut milk in a warm bath water. Soaking in the bath for about 15 minutes will help restore moisture to dry skin.

You can directly rub coconut milk on your skin and leave for 30 minutes. This will help combat dryness and promote healthy, glowing skin. But make sure that you use fresh coconut milk prepared at home.

The application of crude coconut milk is effective in the treatment of the skin damaged by the sun. All you need to do is apply a thin layer of fresh coconut milk to the area burnt by sunburn, fat and oil in the milk will help reduce redness and restore moisture to the skin burnt by the sun.

Consumption or coconut milk application improves the elasticity of the skin due to its copper content and vitamin C. These nutrients slow down your skin’s aging process by maintaining the flexibility and elasticity of the skin and blood vessels. Thus, it prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and aging spots.

Thanks to its moisturizing, coconut milk can ease the symptoms of psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema. Natural fatty acids in milk that may help treat dry and irritable skin and remove harmful bacteria from your skin.

Combine two parts of olive oil with some coconut oil and apply on the skin to gently remove makeup while moisturizing the skin. This is a much healthier alternative to most commercial cleansers that are alcohol based.

References

1. R. A. I. Ekanayaka, N. K. Ekanayaka, B. Perera, and P. G. S. M. De Silva. Impact of a Traditional Dietary Supplement with Coconut Milk and Soya Milk on the Lipid Profile in Normal Free Living Subjects. Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism. Volume 2013 (2013), Article ID 481068, 11 pages. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/481068

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A medieval history

At the time of the knights, people did not have current technology to keep food as fresh as we became used to with cow milk. Cow milk tended to go bad pretty quickly. It had to be used to make butter or cheese. As milk was an essential component of the diet of the Middle Ages, especially in the Christian and Muslim world, they had to find an alternative to cow’s milk. History says that it is the abbots in their monastery, who found a solution in this nut regularly consumed at that time. They discovered that by pressing the almonds, they could get a delicious milk which had the ability to be kept longer. In addition, this drink could be consumed during Lent, a Christian fasting period during which animal foods are banned.

Exceptional nourishing qualities of almond milk

In addition to an original and delicious taste, almond milk contains multiple vitamins, minerals and trace elements that have so many beneficial factors for our body. If you are sensitive to your daily well-being and want to bring your body enough vitamins to be in shape to prevent disease, then we recommend that you replace your classic cow milk for almond milk.

Indeed, a handful of almonds cover 12% of our daily protein needs. If you pour the almond milk in your cereal at breakfast or if you are preparing a cup of hot chocolate with it, you will be ready for a new day on a note full of energy.

In addition, almonds are known for their high vitamin E and selenium, two particular antioxidants that help to keep your cells effective and youthful. These elements allow the body to fight against the effects of aging, fight against cancer and reduce cardiovascular disorders.

Among the minerals present in this milk, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus combine to ensure the smooth cardiac function, the regulation of blood pressure and maintenance of the nervous system in top form. Almond milk has beneficial actions in order to help the blood circulate effectively in the veins, resulting also in a better circulation of nutrients. Our system is now better fed and this causes a general well-being. Our brain also takes almond milk for boosting memory and concentration while reducing stress. Drinking almond milk for an examination period is strongly recommended to students!

How almond milk improves your health

Many people can enjoy the the almond milk properties and benefits. For example those who want to lose weight, control their cholesterol, or people with gastritis. All can include it in their daily diet.

We will inform you of the 8 ways how drinking almond milk can be beneficial to your health:

Almond milk’s low calories make it ideal for all those who wish to lose weight. Simply replace cow’s milk with almond milk can have positive effects on weight loss. Moreover, it is very simple to include it in the diet because it has a similar texture and the same organoleptic properties than cow’s milk.

Consuming almond milk can help people who suffer from high cholesterol and triglycerides. Almond milk increases the levels of good cholesterol (HDL) and lowers bad cholesterol (LDL). In comparison, it reduces cholesterol levels similar to olive oil, and in addition, it strengthens the heart¹.

It promotes the absorption of sugars and fats in the intestines.

Almond milk is easy to digest, and is especially recommended for all people with lactose intolerance. It makes minimally intrusive digestion².

It is advisable to treat diarrhea and vomiting, because these two problems lower potassium levels. Almond milk, with a high potassium content helps recover this mineral when it was lost under certain diseases.

The fiber in almond milk protects the walls of the intestine.

In many cases, people who suffer from gastritis or gastrointestinal problems, and integrate almond milk in their diet experienced positive results because it allows good control of such functions.

Vitamin B2 present in the almond milk helps nails and hair to become stronger, and the skin is better hydrated. It promotes the absorption of sugars and fats in the intestines.

A gourmet and esthetic ally

Almond milk is easily substituted for cow’s milk daily. If you like a bowl of cereal with milk for breakfast, go for the almond milk that works just as well by providing a little extra flavor. Pastry fan? Most recipes of creams, panna cotta, ice cream, milkshakes, yogurt or even cakes can be made with this vegetable drink. If you plan an evening with friends or family in which the pancake is festive, you can easily replace the conventional cow milk by almond milk. Your cakes will have an original taste and can be packed in salty or sweet. In summary, in the kitchen, when milk should be included in the recipe, it may be animal or vegetable, and it is up to you to experiment and see what works best for you.

But the almond milk is not only tasty, it poses as an ally of choice in cosmetology. Thanks to its richness in antioxidants but also in essential fatty acids, it moisturizes, softens and nourishes the skin deeply. It is an excellent barrier against premature aging of the skin and protects against UV rays. We recommend you opting for soaps or lotions containing almond milk to cleanse your skin every day. Its active ingredients also act on the hair to make it more flexible and shiny. Feel free to use shampoo enriched with vegetable milk or add yourself a few drops of this ingredient in your bottles of shampoo.

Commercial almond milk warning

Almond milk is popular because it is an excellent alternative to cow’s milk because of its taste but also for its lack of lactose. Indeed, people intolerant for or allergic to milk have few alternatives. This vegetable milk is free of lactose and allows everyone to digest it properly. Strictly vegan, almond milk is suitable for people who do not consume any food from animals but also for those allergic to soy milk because it contains estrogen and hexane.

As you can see, this milk is for almost everyone since it does not cause allergy. Almond milk corresponds for vegetarian and vegan diets and helps people with bad cholesterol because it does not contain sterols. The food industry could not do without such a market and is set to make almond milk, pre-packaged, and easy to use. Although not bad, it is not nearly as beneficial as the homemade almond milk, for which you have mastered the dose ofnuts. In general, the brands indicate on the label that milk is actually “made” almond, without elaborating on the exact amount used. To give it a sweeter taste, and therefore make it more enjoyable, it is also possible that the sellers are adding sugars and additives for better preservation. Almond milk is so good for health, may thus lose its benefits and can be associated with poor properties. We advise you to do it yourself or, if necessary, to read the notice on the bottles to ensure the quality of the beverage. Know that a good recipe should contain about 200 grams of almonds per 1 liter of milk.

How to make homemade almond milk?

Whether you are looking to make your own cosmetic product or cooking excellent pastries, you can do a quick and easy almond milk. This recipe ensures a good nutritional quality of the product, unlike those already prepared and sold in supermarkets.

List of ingredients

To prepare 1 litre of milk, here are the ingredients:

•  1 litre of water
•  200 grams of whole almonds
• 1 teaspoon of sugar (optional)
• 1 nut milk bag or a tight-weave cloth

Steps of the recipe

1. Soak almonds in water all night (8 to 12 hours).
2. Drain them, rinse them and place them in a blender.
3. Add 1 litre of water, and mix at high speed for 2 minutes.
4. Filter the liquid through a nut milk bag or a tight-weave cloth.
5. Press with your hands to extract a maximum of almond milk.
6. In a glass bottle, pour the almond milk.

Advices

You can keep the almond milk in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. If it splits into 2 phases, stir it well and it will be good to drink. You can use the pulp and the almond powder as a seasoning in your products cooked in the oven, to make a good cake or even to thicken a soup. To do this, spread the powder on a flat plate going in the oven, and turn it at low temperature (90° C) for about 2 hours to remove moisture.

References

1. Abbey M, Noakes M, Belling GB, Nestel PJ. Partial replacement of saturated fatty acids with almonds or walnuts lowers total plasma cholesterol and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol. Am J Clin Nutr. 1994 May;59(5):995-9.
2. Salpietro CD, Gangemi S, Briuglia S, Meo A, Merlino MV, Muscolino G, Bisignano G, Trombetta D, Saija A. The almond milk: a new approach to the management of cow-milk allergy/intolerance in infants. Minerva Pediatr. 2005 Aug;57(4):173-80.

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Hazelnuts come from the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere, particularly regions that have a relatively mild winter and cool summer. This climate is typical of the seaside. In fact, it is also on the seaside where the main crops of hazelnuts are located: Turkey (Black Sea), Spain and France (Atlantic Ocean) and Oregon in the United States (Pacific Ocean).

There are several species of hazel, two of which are commercially important: the common hazel (C. avellana) and the hazel (C. colurna). Domestication dates back to the prehistoric period. In fact, hazel comes from the Turks or other people of Asia Minor. The Romans introduce the varieties of C. avellana throughout the empire. However, we have to still wait for the seventeenth or eighteenth century before they are produced on a large scale in Europe.

The bulk of world production is provided by Turkey (about 75%), followed by Italy (15%). The United States are far behind, with only 5% of production, which is fully concentrated in the Willamette Valley in Oregon. In order to extend the hazelnut crop area, United States and Canadian researchers have been working for decades on the creation of hybrids. They want to create a tree that produces large fruits of cultivated species of Eurasia, while supporting cold weather and native species of North America.

The hazelnut is available in stores and are sold in-shell or peeled, or in powder form. However, almost 97% of world production goes to the processing industry (confectionery, pastry, oil).

Hazelnut milk: generous and gluten free!

Hazelnut milk and chestnut milk are to be classified in the category of milk called “plants”. This is an important point meaning that these milks can be used as an alternative to cow’s milk, goat milk or sheep milk for vegans.

Such milk powder is often used in desserts and for other sweet dishes. However, they can also simply drink it, just like cow’s milk. Hazelnut milk is deemed as the most expensive milk. With its sweet taste, hazelnut milk is a pleasure for gourmets, but also for children who have difficulty digesting the traditional cow’s milk. The proteins contained in these milks are more digestible proteins than those in animal milk.

The benefits of hazelnut milk

Hazelnut milk is especially beneficial for people with lactose intolerance and allergic to gluten. Hazelnut milk contains a good amount of calcium and phosphorus, making it an ideal food to offer children and adolescents in their growing period. Hazelnut milk is rich in:

• Essential fatty acids (used to build the body’s cells)
• Vitamins A, B, and E (Vitamin A is especially known for its beneficial actions at the view and the development of bones and skin, vitamin B improves the immune and nervous system, vitamin E is an antioxidant and plays an important role in neutralizing free radicals)
• Dietary fiber (83% insoluble and 17% soluble)

The hazelnut is also a source of folate. Folate (vitamin B9) is involved in the manufacture of all body cells, including red blood cells. This vitamin plays an essential role in the production of genetic material (DNA, RNA), in the functioning of the nervous system and immune system, as well as in the healing of wounds and sores. As it is necessary for the production of new cells, an adequate intake is essential during periods of growth and development of the fetus.

With these nutritional qualities, hazelnut milk is an excellent supplement in the daily diet. It can help in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. It also reduces cholesterol and is great in the fight against constipation thanks to its high fiber content. Hazelnut milk is particularly interesting for people with lactose intolerance and allergic to gluten.

Hazelnut milk is also known to be an antioxidant, which helps limit the production of free radicals that can have a devastating effect on the body’s cells.

Hazelnut milk for health

Because of its antioxidant properties, hazelnut milk is recommended for people with high cholesterol¹. In addition, several studies tend to show that antioxidants, consumed in adequate amounts, could help reduce the risk of cancers.

Hazelnuts are also a source of fiber (60% insoluble fiber to 40% soluble). Remember, an adequate intake of dietary fiber has the positive effect on the body to limit the risk of colon cancer.

Due to its high content of L-Arginine, an amino acid, hazelnut milk could also prevent spoilage of the arteries, as well as the formation of blood clots. Struggling against cholesterol, hazelnut milk could also prevent arteriosclerosis and several heart problems.

Pregnant women and hazelnut milk 

Hazelnut milk is particularly rich in folic acid. However, several English studies have shown that a low intake of folic acid during pregnancy may cause hyperactivity in children.

On the contrary, a good intake of folic acid could prevent the risk of malformation in the fetus. Hazelnut milk is therefore particularly recommended for pregnant women.

How to make homemade hazelnut milk?

For 1 litre of fresh hazelnut milk

Ingredients:

• 1 litre of fresh water
• 180 g of hazelnuts
• 1 tsp of vanilla
• A pinch of salt

Preparation:

1. Soak the hazelnuts in cold water 4 to 6 hours in advance.
2. Rinse them well. They will have doubled in size.
3. Add them in your blender with water, vanilla and salt.
4. Mix 1 to 3 minutes, stopping the blender from time to time if necessary. You get a froth hazelnut milk that you have to filter using a nut milk bag or a tight-weave cloth.
5. Once all the mixture is filtered, place the resulting chestnut pulp in the nut milk bag and press in order to get as much milk as possible.
6. You have a delicious hazelnut milk!

Tips:

As hazelnuts are already sweet, you don’t have to add another sweetener. For a taste of plant milk that resembles more closely those from the supermarket, you can add 1 or 2 dates and add 1 or 2 tablespoons of agave or maple syrup. You can use the hazelnut pulp for other recipes.

You can enjoy your hazelnut milk or, if you wish, add cocoa powder to make a delicious chocolate hazelnut drink!

References

1. Durak I, Köksal I, Kaçmaz M, Büyükkoçak S, Cimen BM, Oztürk HS. Hazelnut supplementation enhances plasma antioxidant potential and lowers plasma cholesterol levels. Clin Chim Acta. 1999 Jun 15;284(1):113-5.

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