June, 2020:International Day of Yoga is celebrated on 21 st June every year to generate awareness about
the holistic approach to health and well-being. Over the past years, celebrations through the day have
included mass yoga demonstrations, with millions of people across the world coming together to
practice several asanas.
Yoga imbibes the concept of whole health – which includes healthy eating, a peaceful mind and fit body.
This International Yoga Day, let us look at the best way to stay fit by practicing yoga but supplementing
it with the most important element – a healthy and nutritious diet.
Making small yet impactful changes to your diet, can go a long way in building overall health and aid in
your Yoga routine. Adding a handful of almonds to the diet is a good way to start, as they make for a
nutritious snacking option and eating them regularly may have a positive impact on your overall health.
In addition to this, almonds are rich in several nutrients such as Vitamin B2,magnesium, phosphorous
etc. which may help in leading a healthier lifestyle.
Speaking about the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle, Leading Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan,
said, “Yoga is one of my most preferred forms of exercise – as it has a positive impact on the body as well
as the mind. To complement my yoga routine, I also follow a healthy diet and ensure eating a handful of
almonds every day. Almonds are considered as Sattvic foods, and are a source of 15 key nutrients like
protein, Vitamin E, magnesium etc. Additionally, almonds provide energy and according to Ayurveda,
they also help in toning all body tissues.”
Emphasizing on the need to combine fitness with a healthy diet, Fitness enthusiast and Supermodel
Milind Soman, said, “I am a firm believer in the power of Yoga, and make it a part of my activity. But I
also believe it’s equally important to practice conscious and healthy eating to reap the best benefits of
your exercise. I prefer snacking on healthier foods like almonds, instead of unwholesome or fried snacks.
Almonds are light and easy to carry, making them a great snack to consume in between meals.”
Speaking specifically with regard to people suffering from diseases like diabetes, and how incorporating
Yoga and a nutrient rich diet can help, Ritika Samaddar, Regional Head – Dietetics, Max Healthcare –
Delhi, said “For people suffering from Type 2 diabetes, yoga can be a welcome addition, as per a study
published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research 1 . Along with yoga, I definitely suggest to add
a daily dose of almonds to create a holistic wellness regime. Research shows that almonds, which are a
source of protein and high in dietary fiber, can help in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, may
improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes and help lower the blood sugar impact of
carbohydrate foods, which affects fasting insulin levels 2 .”
This World Yoga Day, let’s pledge to stay healthy by engaging in more yoga sessions along with a healthy
diet!
1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4437062/
2 Li, S.-C., Y.-H. Liu, W.-H. Chang, C.-M. Chen, C.-Y. O. Chen, J.-F. Liu. Almond consumption improved glycemic control and lipid profiles in
patients with type 2 diabetes. Metabolism 2011; 60(4): 474-9
Cohen AE, Johnston CS. Almond ingestion at mealtime reduces postprandial glycemia and chronic ingestion reduces hemoglobin A1c in
individuals with well-controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metabolism 2011; 60(9): 1312-1317
Mori AM, Considine RV, Mattes, RD. 2011. Acute and second-meal effects of almond form in impaired glucose tolerant adults: a randomized
crossover trial. Nutrition and Metabolism 2011 28(8): 1-6
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Almonds from California are a natural, wholesome and quality food. The Almond Board of California promotes
almonds through its research-based approach to all aspects of marketing, farming and production on behalf of the
more than 7,600 almond growers and processors in California, many of which are multi-generational family
operations. Established in 1950 and based in Modesto, California, the Almond Board of California is a non-profit
organization that administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the United
States Department of Agriculture. For more information on the Almond Board of California or almonds, visit
www.almonds.in
