Celebrate International Yoga Day with almonds – A natural source of protein

International Yoga Day, celebrated on June 21st, is a tribute to the ancient practice that nurtures physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. As yoga continues to inspire millions across the globe, pairing it with a nutrient-rich diet enhances its transformative impact. Among the essential nutrients, protein plays a crucial role in supporting muscle strength and recovery—especially for yoga enthusiasts holding challenging asanas or flowing through dynamic sequences. One of the best natural sources of protein? California almonds.
Almonds, often referred to as the 'king of nuts,' are rich in 15 essential nutrients including protein, healthy fats, vitamin E, magnesium, and dietary fiber. They are not only a convenient and wholesome snack but also contribute significantly to overall wellness. Two recent studies reinforce this: Dr. Mark Kern's research highlighted that regular almond consumption can accelerate post-exercise recovery by reducing muscle damage, while Dr. Oliver Witard's study positioned almonds as an ideal pre-workout snack that helps reduce soreness and supports performance.
From improving cholesterol levels to aiding in blood sugar control, promoting skin health, and assisting in weight management, almonds are truly versatile. Whether eaten raw, roasted, blended into smoothies, added to salads, or used as a topping on dishes, they offer flexibility in daily diets without compromising nutrition.
Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan shared her wellness routine this Yoga Day, saying, 'As a mother and a working woman, yoga keeps me centered. It has improved my digestion, immunity, skin, and overall calmness. I pair yoga with a clean, balanced diet that includes seasonal produce and almonds. Almonds are my go-to snack—they help sustain my energy and support my active lifestyle.'
Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Sheela Krishnaswamy emphasized, 'I recommend coupling yoga with a balanced diet rich in protein sources like almonds. With their combination of protein, fiber, and heart-healthy fats, almonds aid in managing weight and meeting daily nutritional needs. Their health benefits are backed by both traditional wisdom and over 200 scientific studies.'
Ritika Samaddar, Regional Head of Dietetics at Max Healthcare, added, 'To gain the full benefits of yoga, nutrition is key. Almonds are particularly beneficial for yogis—they help support muscle recovery, manage cholesterol, and stabilize blood sugar levels, making them an excellent dietary addition.'
Celebrity fitness trainer Yasmin Karachiwala also includes yoga in her weekly schedule. 'Yoga helps me stay calm and centered, while almonds keep my nutrition clean and balanced. I love their versatility—you can enjoy them in so many ways while getting essential nutrients.'
South Indian actress Shriya Saran shared, 'Yoga keeps me grounded and focused. I choose almonds to fuel and recover after each session. A handful post-yoga makes a noticeable difference.'
Ayurveda expert Madhumitha Krishnan noted, 'In Ayurveda and Siddha, almonds are seen as body toners that nourish the nervous system and promote strength, muscle mass, and glowing skin.'
This International Yoga Day, celebrate the synergy of mindful movement and wholesome nutrition. By incorporating almonds into your daily routine, you support muscle recovery, manage weight effectively, and nurture your health from within. Let every pose and every bite lead you toward holistic harmony.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Time of India

25 minutes ago

• Time of India

Pro-poor schemes made healthcare affordable: Shah

Bengaluru: Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government for its "holistic" approach in addressing health issues faced by the public. He was speaking after inaugurating the Adichunchanagiri University (ACU) Bengaluru campus. "Our leader and PM Modi had said several years ago in Gujarat that poverty's biggest issue is illness, and the cost of treatment; the administration has to provide for the treatment of illness for the poor. I can say with pride today that Modi, when he became the PM , has fulfilled it by providing 60 crore poor with free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh," Shah said. The Modi government has addressed the problem of health with a holistic view, with initiatives like building toilets in about 12 crore houses, through Fit India movement , Yoga Day, Mission Indradanush and Poshan Abhiyaan, Ayushman Bharat , and Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, he added. "In a way, it is being ensured that a citizen doesn't fall ill from the time he/she is in the mother's womb until the person becomes a complete citizen, and in case the person is ill, he takes treatment without paying a higher price for it," he added. Major efforts were taken to increase the number of doctors in the country, Shah said. In 2014, the country had 7 AIIMS, and today there are 23 AIIMS, and the number of medical colleges has increased from 387 to 780. "There were 51,000 MBBS seats then (2014), today it is 1,18,000, and the number of PG seats was 31,000, today it is 74,000.," he added.

Business Standard

28 minutes ago

• Business Standard

International Yoga Day: Wrist pain from screen overuse? Try these stretches

Tired of that nagging wrist pain after a long workday? Whether you're typing up emails or scrolling endlessly, your wrists take a hit. According to Dr Umashankar Kaushik, Assistant Professor in Yoga Shastra at Mumbai-based K J Somaiya Institute of Dharma Studies, yoga can be a game-changer for wrist health. Wrist discomfort is often caused by poor posture and repetitive overuse. 'You should start with non-weight-bearing stretches that are gentle on your joints,' said Dr Kaushik. 6 wrist-friendly yoga stretches to ease digital fatigue You can add these simple, desk-friendly exercises to your daily routine: Manibandha chakra (wrist joint rotation) Extend both hands in front of you and rotate your wrists clockwise and anticlockwise. Mushtika bandhana (fist clenching) Clench and release your fists repeatedly to stimulate circulation and joint mobility. Seated wrist flexor stretch Extend your right arm with the palm facing up. Use your left hand to gently pull the fingers downward. Finger flicks Flick your fingers outward rapidly, as if shaking off water. This reduces stiffness and improves blood flow. Desk edge stretch Stand up, place your palms on the desk edge (fingers pointing toward you), and lean in gently to stretch your wrists and forearms. Flexion movement Extend your arm with the palm up and bend the wrist downward to stretch the underside of your wrist. Pair wrist care with upper body alignment To enhance the benefits of wrist stretches, Dr Kaushik suggests adding shoulder rolls and gentle backbends to release tension and realign posture. These simple moves can be done while seated or standing in the office —no special setup needed. Try this 10-minute routine for stronger, more flexible wrists For those glued to their computers all day, a 5–10 minute daily routine can help. Dr Kaushik recommends: Plank pose (1–2 minutes) – Only if there's no active wrist pain. Helps build strength and stability. Wrist rotations (2 minutes) – Rotate wrists in both directions slowly. Flexion and extension (3–5 minutes) – Move wrists up and down gently, staying within your natural range. Take breaks to avoid long-term damage Dr Kaushik advises taking a short 1–2 minute break every 60–90 minutes to stretch and move. These micro-breaks help maintain circulation and prevent strain, especially during intense screen use. International Day of Yoga International Yoga Day, celebrated every year on June 21, is a global tribute to the ancient practice of yoga and its profound impact on physical and mental well-being. Recognised by the United Nations in 2014, this day highlights yoga's role in fostering harmony between body and mind, and its growing relevance in today's fast-paced lifestyle. From sunrise sessions in the Himalayas to community gatherings in city parks, International Yoga Day sees millions participate in asanas, pranayama, and meditation across continents. 2025 marks the 11th International Day of Yoga, a global celebration stretching back to the first observance in 2015. The official theme for International Yoga Day 2025 is "Yoga for One Earth, One Health", which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his "Mann Ki Baat" broadcast on March 30, 2025, and was later confirmed by the United Nations.

Hindustan Times

31 minutes ago

• Hindustan Times

Panchkula's yoga guru transforms lives, one breath at a time

For decades, dedicated yoga teachers have been instrumental in disseminating the knowledge of yogic asanas and pranayama worldwide. Among them is Vinod Bajaj, 64, a revered yoga teacher in Panchkula. Over the past 26 years, Bajaj has not only developed advanced yoga postures but has also dedicated himself to training thousands of individuals. Every morning, from 5:30 am to 7 am, he can be found meticulously guiding approximately a hundred individuals – whom he calls his energetic yogis – in their yoga practice at Yavnika Garden, Sector-5. 'Energetic Yogis' will celebrate International Yoga Day on June 21 at Town Park, Sector-5, starting 5.15 am. (SANT ARORA/HT) Bajaj's focus is on teaching the right breathing techniques. 'It's important to know when and how to inhale and exhale,' he says, adding that 'Many physical and mental ailments can be resolved with the right way of yoga.' According to him, 50% yoga, 30% good diet, and 20% positivity works best for wellness. His innovative approach extends to traditional techniques. For instance, Kapalbhati, the 'skull shining' breath, typically performed seated, has been uniquely adapted by Bajaj into a standing variation. This technique is credited with numerous health benefits by enhancing the nervous system. Bajaj also incorporates a distinctive style of Mandook Asana, which he says, improves the digestive, excretory, urinary, reproductive, and endocrine systems. Similarly, Bhastrika (bellows breath) performed in a standing posture, as taught by Bajaj, is considered beneficial for improving eyesight and enhancing lung and heart functioning. Advanced variations of Anulom-Vilom (alternate nostril breathing) are also integrated to benefit the entire body. His comprehensive one-and-a-half-hour classes also feature other vital yogic practices such as Chandra Bhedi Pranayam, Surya Bhedana Pranayama, and Ardha Yoga Mudra. The profound impact of Bajaj's teachings is evident in the testimonials of his students. Ravi Prakash Sharma, for instance, attests that the discipline of yoga has 'transformed his life', noting he now 'rarely falls ill'.