Drink: Homemade Almond Milk

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Honey, Agave

Health benefits of Homemade Almond Milk

Honey, often hailed as a superfood, possesses a wealth of nutritional benefits that make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. With a glycemic index (GI) of 55 for one tablespoon, honey is considered a moderate GI food. This means it does not spike blood sugar levels as high or as quickly as high-GI foods, making it a better choice for maintaining steady energy levels and supporting overall health.

Rich in antioxidants, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, honey offers protective benefits against oxidative stress and inflammation. These antioxidants can help combat the damage caused by free radicals, which are linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Furthermore, the natural sugars in honey can provide a quick energy boost, making it an excellent option for a pre-workout snack or a natural sweetener in beverages and meals.

Honey's benefits extend beyond its nutritional profile. Its antimicrobial properties make it a natural remedy for wounds and burns, promoting healing by providing a moist environment and acting as a barrier to infection. Additionally, honey has been used for centuries to soothe sore throats and coughs, thanks to its ability to coat the throat and reduce irritation.

However, it's important to consume honey in moderation. While it is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, it is still a form of sugar and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in large amounts. For individuals with diabetes or those monitoring their blood sugar levels, it's crucial to account for honey's GI and its effects on blood sugar.

Choosing raw, unprocessed honey can also maximize its health benefits. Raw honey is more likely to retain its antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can be lost during processing. Incorporating honey into your diet can be as simple as adding it to yogurt, drizzling it over oatmeal, or blending it into smoothies. Its natural sweetness and health-promoting properties make honey a superfood worth including in a healthy, balanced diet.

Agave, a sweetener derived from the core of the agave plant, is frequently highlighted in nutritional discussions due to its notably low glycemic index (GI) rating. With a GI score of just 17, it stands out from many other natural sweeteners and sugars that often have higher GI values. For those unfamiliar with the term, the glycemic index is a measure that ranks foods based on how significantly they raise blood glucose (sugar) levels after consumption. Foods with a lower GI value are absorbed more slowly and cause a more gradual rise in blood sugar levels, which is particularly crucial for individuals managing conditions like PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).

Ingredients

1 cup organic raw almonds
2 tablespoons agave nectar or honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups filtered water, plus extra for soaking

Instructions

Place the almonds in a large bowl and cover with water. Soak at least 4 hours, up to 2 days. Overnight is ideal.
Drain the almonds and place them in a blender with the remaining ingredients. Puree until the almonds are in tiny pieces. Discard the soaking liquid and use new filtered water for pureeing.
Place a strainer in a large bowl and cover the top of the strainer with cheesecloth (this step is important because the almonds will be in such small pieces that the cheesecloth and strainer need to stop them from going into the milk).
Pour the almond milk through the cheesecloth. You may need to do this in stages so the milk can slowly strain through the cheesecloth. It may help taking a spoon to scrape the bottom of the cheesecloth so the milk can pass.
Pour the milk and the almond puree into separate containers and refrigerate until ready to drink." the pureed almonds can be saved and eaten as a breakfast with typical oatmeal toppings, or as a dessert topped with fresh berries!

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