Celebrate this International Yoga Day with the Goodness of Almonds

Hyderabad, June 2024: International Yoga Day, celebrated annually on June 21st, emphasizes yoga's holistic approach to health and well-being. This day aims to raise awareness about the benefits of incorporating yoga into daily life for improved physical, mental, and spiritual health. To maximize the benefits of yoga, it is essential to maintain a balanced, clean, and healthy diet. Such a diet includes seasonal fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, whole grains, pulses and nuts like almonds, all of which play a vital role in maintaining overall health and well-being. Almonds, in particular, contain 15 essential nutrients, including protein, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium and vitamin E.

Incorporating a handful of almonds into your daily diet offers numerous health advantages. Almonds help keep the heart healthy, help to manage weight and cholesterol levels, and support immunity, which is crucial for overall well-being. Almonds are also a great pre-workout snack, as they can help alleviate muscle soreness and improve post-exercise recovery, as revealed by the recently released Witard study funded by the Almond Board of California. So, be sure to add almonds as a pre-workout snack for optimal results.

Talking about International Yoga Day, Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan said, “I have been practicing yoga for a long time and have experienced positive health benefits such as improved gut health, stronger immunity, better skin, and more. Alongside regular yoga practice, I ensure to eat a clean and well-balanced diet that includes seasonal fruits and veggies, almonds, yogurt, and more. Almonds have been my go-to snack for years. I make it a point to include almonds in my daily diet, especially after yoga sessions, as these nuts contain protein and 14 other essential nutrients that contribute to overall well-being."

Ritika Samaddar, Regional Head of Dietetics at Max Healthcare, New Delhi, said, "I always recommend my clients practice some form of exercise at least five days a week, with yoga being my top recommendation. In addition to physical activity, it's essential to maintain a clean and healthy diet to achieve fitness goals. Incorporating foods like almonds, leafy greens, fruits and other nutritious options is crucial for overall well-being. Almonds, in particular, should be a part of everyone's diet due to their excellent nutritional content and numerous health benefits, such as supporting weight, blood sugar, and cholesterol management. "

Commenting on the celebration around International Yoga Day, Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Sheela Krishnaswamy said, " I firmly believe that yoga should be an integral part of everyone’s life as it promotes a happy and healthy lifestyle. Engaging in yoga not only improves strength, balance, and flexibility but also offers numerous other health benefits. Combining any form of exercise with clean and healthy eating habits is important for optimal results. Foods like almonds are beneficial as they help to boost energy, reduce fatigue, and provide nutrients that are required for good health. Moreover, consuming a handful of almonds regularly can help to lower blood sugar levels and LDL cholesterol.”

Fitness and celebrity instructor Yasmin Karachiwala also believes that incorporating any form of exercise into one's daily routine is essential for maintaining a healthy life. She said, " Strength training and Pilates help make muscles stronger and tone the body, while yoga keeps both the body and mind happy. I practice yoga 2-3 times a week to stay calm amidst my busy schedule. I believe that both exercise and diet are important. To stay healthy, it's best to avoid ultra-processed foods and eat natural foods like almonds. Almonds are packed with essential nutrients like protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making them important for daily nutrition. The best thing about almonds is that you can eat them in many ways and still get health benefits."

Dr. Rohini Patil, MBBS and Nutritionist, also believes that yoga should be a part of one’s routine to maintain a happy and healthy life. "I truly believe that the power of yoga is often underestimated. I always recommend my clients incorporate yoga into their daily routine along with consuming nutritious, home-cooked food. Yoga not only improves strength and flexibility but also promotes relaxation and better sleep. Moreover, it benefits the heart and helps manage stress and blood sugar levels. Alongside yoga, it's important to include nutritious foods like almonds in one's diet for additional health benefits. Almonds, rich in protein and fiber, help to lower blood sugar levels and aid in weight management.”

Popular South Indian actress Pranitha Subhash relies on yoga to relax her body and mind and cope with her hectic work schedule. She said, “Yoga is an integral part of my life as it helps me stay focused and grounded amidst my busy schedule. I practice yoga asanas at least 2-3 days a week to maintain this balance. As part of my holistic approach to health, I plan my meals in advance, prioritizing foods like seasonal produce and green leafy vegetables. Almonds are a part of my diet due to their rich nutrient content, and I always carry a box of almonds to keep me full for longer periods. I also make sure to include almonds in my family's diet, ensuring they benefit from their nutritional value as well.”

This International Yoga Day, embrace the essence of health and happiness by practicing yoga and enjoying the nutritious goodness of almonds.