How Healthy Are Almonds?
Almonds are one of the world’s most popular tree nuts, as they are rich in fats, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that promote a healthy lifestyle. The super nut can be eaten alone or as part of a tasty dish. The main issue is that most people believe almonds are only edible and high in fats, and as a result, people often avoid consuming them.
Facts About Almonds
- Protein, fiber, and minerals abound in almonds
- Almond is not a nut, but rather a fruit seed
- Almond trees are the world’s oldest domesticated trees with origins in Jordan dating back to 3000 to 2000 BC
- Because of their high vitamin E concentration, almonds can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two years
- Almonds are considered important brain food for children in India
Health Benefits of Almonds
Almonds are considered to be good for your health, but how? So, what are the benefits of almonds and what would this nut do for you if you consume it every day? Here are some almond benefits and uses that have been scientifically established and why you need to include them in your diet.
Regulate Blood Sugar
Almonds manage and stabilize blood sugar levels; this is because almonds contain magnesium. It is healthy to eat a handful of almonds every day. Almonds on the other hand, help persons with type 2 diabetes maintain their blood sugar levels. Owing to the magnesium level in the nut, people who consume it acquire insulin resistance, which is beneficial for diabetes patients.
Aids Weight Loss
Almonds have a higher protein and fiber content than other nuts, as well as a lower carbohydrate content which helps to control your appetite and keep you from yearning for lengthy periods of time. This also aids in the reduction of daily calorie consumption. When almonds have the ability to limit your hunger, it means you can control how much you eat, which aids in weight management.
Reduces Cholesterol
Eating almonds increases the amount of vitamin E in your red blood cells while also lowering cholesterol risks. Antioxidants are created when the amount of vitamin E in your bloodstream is increased, preventing your cells from being clogged with cholesterol. As a result, eating a handful of almonds daily will help you get more vitamin E into your bloodstream and reduce your risk of acquiring cholesterol.
Packed with Nutrients
Almonds are high in nutrients with just 28 grams containing:
- 3.5 grams of fiber
- 6 grams of protein
- 14 grams of fat
- 37% of vitamin E
- 20% of magnesium
- 32% of manganese
Almonds are also high in copper, vitamin B12, and phosphorus. What’s more? They supply 161 calories and 2.5 grams of digestible carbs.
Rich in Antioxidants
Almonds are high in antioxidants, which help one cope with stress. Stress causes molecular damage that further causes inflammation, cancer, and aging. The antioxidants in almonds are beneficial for one’s skin. Consuming about 84 grams of almonds per day, on the other hand, can boost your body’s antioxidant levels, protecting you from aging and other diseases.
Prevents Cardiovascular Disease
Almonds are packed with healthy fatty acids also known as monounsaturated acids or MUFA, which work together with antioxidants to protect your heart and circulatory system. A significant amount of useful compounds, particularly antioxidant flavonoids, a plant component found in the skin of almonds helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and heart stroke.
Eating almonds on a regular basis protects healthy artery walls by preventing plaque development, which can clog arteries and restrict blood flow. As a result, almonds are an excellent complement for people with high blood pressure.
Prevents Cancer Risk
Almonds include a specific amount of fiber that aids the detoxification of the body. Almonds aid digestion by allowing food to flow more quickly through the digestive tract. Its fiber content helps lower the risk of colon cancer. It also contains a lot of vitamin E and flavonoids which help to prevent breast cancer.
Healthy Brain Function
Due to their high riboflavin and L-carnitine content, almonds are one of the most popular brain foods. These two chemicals reduce inflammatory processes in the brain, preventing cognitive decline and supporting healthy neurological activity. Adults who are at a high risk of acquiring cognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are urged to eat almonds on a daily basis or at least several times each week.
Increases Nutrient Absorption
The world is obsessed with losing weight, although fat serves a variety of purposes in our bodies. Helping fat-soluble vitamins absorb is one of these tasks. Almonds, fortunately, have enough fat to support this function while also increasing fat-soluble vitamins A and D absorption. Nutrient extraction and cholesterol production are both contributed by the nutritional elements found in almonds.
Improves Digestion
Almond skin includes probiotic components that help to keep the digestive system healthy. Your digestive system contains a variety of beneficial bacteria that aid in the digestion of food and the conversion of nutrients. Without bacteria, the digestive system can experience a variety of issues that result in illnesses. Almonds prevent this by increasing the number of healthy bacteria in your system, which helps to prevent illnesses and nutritional deficiencies.
Prevents Hair Greying
Almond oil is particularly useful for treating any type of hair condition, from hair loss to preventing hair from going grey. Almond oil aids in the treatment of dandruff and other hair issues. The best thing about almond oil for hair is that it gives it a silky and shiny look.
Treats Acne and Blackheads
The fatty acids in almonds are the finest cure for preventing and fighting acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. These fatty acids serve to manage the oil that clogs these skin pores, thus helping to reduce skin rashes.
Good for the Nerves
Almonds contain magnesium, which is beneficial to the nervous system. This also aids in the development of a normal metabolic rate.
Prevents Pregnancy Issues
Almonds are high in folic acids which prevent birth abnormalities. Folic acid is essential for the development of healthy cell growth as well as the life cycle of a developing fetus. Pregnant women who eat almonds can reduce the risk of their children suffering birth abnormalities.
Acts as Natural Anesthetics
Almond oil is an effective anesthetic for skin stitching, tooth plucking, and other procedures. It contains a toxin called glycoside which causes the nerves to become unresponsive, thereby causing a numb feeling.
Risk Factors of Almonds
If almonds are beneficial to your health, they can also be harmful if ingested in excess. Some people may develop allergies as a result of eating too many almonds. Here are some of the dangers that come with eating almonds:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Difficulty swallowing
- Diarrhea
- Severe itching
Now that you Know…
Almonds are a super-duper nutrient-dense food. They include a variety of vital elements and can be a decent source of protein for vegetarians and vegans. They are also versatile, which means they can be included in people’s diets in a variety of ways. Note, however, that almonds and their products are not safe for people who have nut allergies. By all means, if almonds are safe for you, consume them to the best of your advantage. Just be sure to consume it in moderation. Enjoy your almonds all the way.