Health Benefits of Almonds

Health Benefits of Almonds

Are you looking for the health benefits of Almonds? Almonds are edible seeds that come from a species of tree scientifically known as Prunus Dulcis. They are widely cultivated and used all around the world. As far as the origin of almonds is concerned, they are native to Iran but are grown everywhere around the globe. Almonds are extracted out of shells and then used in various forms from raw almonds to toasted, blanched or even ground.

The immense popularity of this seed can be realized through the large scale at which it is produced and then used in foods, cuisines, and even for various natural home remedies for difference health conditions, for hair and for the skin. The current article focuses on the health benefits of almonds, as there are many. It is always a good idea to learn about something we use in our everyday lives in order to gain insight about the beneficial properties of a certain edible so that it can utilized to its optimum.

Nutritional Facts

Let us have a look at the nutritional facts and figures that we can find in almonds. The following table is based on one serving of almonds that is 23 almonds, a handful or ¼ cup.

Apart from these, almonds are also rich in vitamin E and Vitamin B, minerals like manganese, phosphorus, copper and magnesium. The combination of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and healthy fats make almonds a powerhouse of nutrition that work as a source of innumerable health benefits.

What Are Almonds Good For?

Let’s reveal the open secret for you: almonds are densely nutritious and they are extremely good for your health. All you need to find out is the right amount you need to consume and the way you want to incorporate them into your diet. Here are some scientifically proven health benefits of almonds:

• Your Bones Love You if You Love Almonds

A handful of almonds contains approximately 75 mg of calcium, the bone-building mineral. We are already aware of the vital role calcium plays in keeping our bones healthy while fighting against diseases such as osteoarthritis, bone fractures and other ailments related to the bones. A one ounce serving of almonds contains calcium equivalent to a ¼ cup of milk. To top that, the phosphorus in almonds helps to keep our skeleton strong, which is why almonds can be regarded as one of super foods that are immensely beneficial for our bone health.

• Almonds Keep the Heart Going

The good health of the human heart depends on various factors. Our cholesterol level and oxygen flow are two major components that are essential to the heart’s many other functions. Almonds are packed with nutrients such as magnesium, potassium and vitamin E that allow the oxygen to flow without any obstruction, which ultimately helps the heart to beat smoothly. In addition to that, these nutrients also lower bad cholesterol hence, helping the heart carry out its functions optimally.

• Almonds Help Your Body Fight Against Diseases

Our body needs antioxidants to strengthen its immunity system and help the body fight against diseases. One of the prominent nutritional facts about almonds is the great concentration of antioxidants that they contain. The top brown layer of the almond that is their skin is where antioxidants are largely present. A balanced intake of almonds on a daily basis is shown to prevent that damage that is caused by oxidative stress, allowing the body to fight against the process of aging, health conditions including inflammation and diseases like cancer.

• If There’s Anything You Don’t Want to Forget, It’s Eating Your Almonds

Almonds have been associated with good memory for centuries now. Our mothers, grand-mothers and foremothers made sure to feed their children with soaked almonds every morning, just to make sure their memory worked efficiently. It has been a long-held belief that almonds contribute to better cognitive function and enhances memory. And rightly so. The research on almonds shows that there is a direct link between almonds and functioning of the human brain. It has been observed through study that almonds elevate neurotransmitters in the brain that are responsible for enhancing memory. This distinctive property helps to fight brain conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Also, the nutrients contained within an almond are great for overall brain health and its efficient functioning.

• Almond Is Your Go to Snack If You Wish to Lose Weight or Curb Hunger

One of the biggest challenges we face during a weight loss regime is to snack on foods that won’t exceed the calorie limit we have set for ourselves. Apart from that, curbing food cravings usually gets to us. But we think we have a solution to this. Almonds are packed with fiber and protein, two essential nutrients that keep our body feel fuller for a longer time. They help to reduce hunger, which is the ultimate goal of anyone who wishes to lose weight.

Another study shows that apart from the satiating property of almonds, they are also good for boosting metabolism, yet another key player when it comes to losing weight. The breakdown of nuts usually takes longer, making almond an effective option for snacking especially if you are on a weight loss regimen.

• Almonds Boost Skin & Hair Health

We are still not done praising almonds, or are we? This little magic food or shall we say magic seed is not just confined to our body’s health but also plays a fair part in boosting hair and skin health. Almond is used in a large variety of skin care products, hair care solutions and also sold in the form of almond oil. Due to a considerable concentration of vitamin E in almonds, almond oil is used to thicken hair follicles and encourage hair growth. It also provides nourishment to the skin and prevents the process of aging.

Safe to say that this superfood has plenty of benefits for our body, hair and skin alike. We would love to call almond an all-rounder as it makes sure that you get all the benefits from it as you can.

Different Ways Almonds Are Used

Little did we know what wonders a little almond seed could do. The mankind has managed to get the very best out of almonds therefore, we have several ways that almonds are used in. Some of the products made with almonds that are commonly used include:

• Almond Butter

Much like peanut butter, almond butter is a paste that is made from griding almonds. The butter comes in two main varieties that are smooth and crunchy. It could be roasted or raw, and here’s a fun fact: you can make almond butter yourself at home. It goes great with bread as a spread and even if you feel like having a spoonful, go for it!

• Almond Milk

A great alternative for vegetarians or people who are lactose intolerant, almond milk is made with soaked almonds and water. The trend of plant-based milks has increased over the years mainly due to vegans and for those who are allergic to milk. Almond milk has a rather creamy texture and nutty flavor, although it looks like regular milk of milk.

• Almond Oil

Another very popular almond product is the almond oil, made by pressing almonds and extracting oil out of them. The almond oil is great for hair and skin as it contains vitamin E in a fair amount. The oil promises to bring shine to the hair, increase hair growth, make hair smooth and repair damaged roots and split ends.

• Almond Flour

Almond flour is another great variation of almond products that is made with blanched almonds. The flour has a fine texture and is light in color than the regular flour. It is now used as an alternative to all-purpose flour especially in baking and for people with diabetes, almond flour is highly advised as a substitute.

Other than the variations mentioned above, almonds are used in soups, smoothies, shakes, in desserts, granola bars and a whole lot of cuisines from around the globe.

Recommended Daily Intake

Due to the high calorie count of almonds, it is suggested that you take one serving that equates to a handful or ¼ cup of almonds. Going overboard might increase in your daily calories so have your almonds but eat in moderation.

Bottomline

Not exactly a dry fruit, almonds are seeds that come from trees native to Iran and cultivated most in the United States as for today. Almonds are fully packed with healthy nutrients including vitamins, minerals, healthy fats and antioxidants.

Almonds are a great source of satiety, they help the body fight against various diseases, support heart and bone health, aid in weight loss and provide equally nutritious effects to the hair and skin. In a nutshell (or maybe almond shell), a handful of almonds could do wonders to your long-term health.

References

• https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/almonds/
• https://www.foodnetwork.com/healthyeats/healthy-tips/2013/04/how-many-almonds-in-a-serving
• https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/do-almonds-really-help-improve-memory-1869324