The health
benefits of almonds are extensive, and they are frequently used
as a healthy solution for relief from constipation, respiratory
disorders, coughs, heart disorders, anemia, impotency, and
diabetes. It also helps in maintenance of healthy hair, skin
care (psoriasis), and dental care.
Both sweet
and bitter almonds are readily available. \Traditionally, sweet
almonds are edible, while bitter almonds are used to make almond
oil, a common oil that is used to add flavor to food. They are
usually eaten raw, but many people also add them as ingredients
in salads, casseroles, and other dishes. Almond milk is also a
delicious beverage, and an alternative to less nutritious cow’s
milk.You can eat almonds directly, preferably on an empty
stomach to increase and speed up the absorption of their
nutrients. You can soak them in water overnight so you can eat
them the morning. Crushed almonds are also a wonderful garnish
for a number of dishes.
Health
Benefits of Almonds:
Almonds are
known to have great medicinal value, which, along with their
good taste, is the main reason that so many people proactively
add them to their diet. Some of the researched and verified
benefits of almonds are given below.
·
Good for your
brain: Almonds are a source of many nutrients which help in the
development and health of the human brain. They have been
connected to a higher intellectual level and they have long been
considered an essential food item for growing children. They
also contain two vital brain nutrients, riboflavin and L-carnitine,
which have been shown to increase brain activity, resulting in
new neural pathways and a decreased occurrence of Alzheimer’s
disease. Studies have shown that almonds in the diet, as well as
almond oil, is nutritive to the overall health and functioning
of the nervous system.
·
Regulation of
cholesterol: Regular consumption of almonds helps to increase
the level of high density lipoproteins (HDL) and they reduce the
level of low density lipoproteins (LDL). This balance is vital
to a healthy cholesterol level, and a reduction of LDL (bad
cholesterol) is always a good thing.
·
Good for your
heart: The mono-unsaturated fats, protein and potassium
contained in almonds are all instrumental in heart health.
Vitamin E is an effective antioxidant and also reduces the risk
of heart diseases, while the presence of magnesium in almonds
can help avoid heart attacks. Almonds help reduce the presence
and impact of C-reactive proteins which causes artery-damaging
inflammation. Almonds are also a great source of folic acid.
Therefore, they help to reduce the level of homocysteine, which
causes fatty plaque buildup in arteries. Furthermore, the
flavonoids in the skin of almonds combines with Vitamin E to
form a powerful shield against artery wall damage. Research
suggests that short-term almond-enriched diet may improve
vascular function in asymptomatic healthy men aged between 20
and 70 years without any effect on markers of oxidative stress.
·
Immune System
Strength: Your body has many components that add to overall
health, including the alkalinity of the systems. Almonds are
great sources for alkali materials, and this is known to benefit
the strength of the immune system, as well as increase the
ability to stave off diseases and various health conditions.
Along with almonds’ contribution to alkaline levels, it also has
a high content of Vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant. It
seeks out all the damaging free radicals in the body and
eliminates them, because they actually promote chronic diseases
and can be horribly hazardous to the body’s organ systems.
Antioxidants like the Vitamin E found in almonds affect all
major diseases, including cancer and heart disease. Research has
actually shown that people who ingest high levels of Vitamin E
are actually 30-40% less likely to contract heart disease.
·
Prevention of
constipation: Almonds are rich in fiber, and like most other
fiber-rich foods, almonds help prevent constipation. However, it
is also important to drink a significant amount of water when
eating almonds to speed up the digestive process and beneficial
effects of the nut. You don’t even need to eat an excessive
amount, the amount of fiber in 4 or 5 almonds is enough to keep
your digestion and bowel movements regular.
People can
even reduce their risk of Alzheimer’s disease by consuming
almonds, because they have been known to have such a positive
effect on neural activity. Stimulating new neural passageways
and connections can keep Alzheimer’s disease and neural
degeneration from developing.
However, just
like almost any other food, almonds have their downside. They do
contain oxalates, and excessive oxalates can cause
crystallization, which can lead to a host of different issues.
People that have kidney or gallbladder problems should avoid
eating almonds.