The health benefits of almonds include constipation, respiratory disorders, cough, hearth disorders, diabetes, hair care, skin care, psoriasis, dental care, anemia, impotency and gallstones.
Found in places like Iran, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Turkey, Syria, Jordan and Israel, almonds are very nutritious nuts. It is a rich source of vitamin E, calcium, phosphorous, iron and magnesium. It also contains zinc, selenium, copper and niacin. Almonds contain the most nutrients in comparison to all other nuts. The health benefits of an almond can be attributed to the nutrients contained in it.
Almonds are also known to have great medicinal value. Few of them are listed below.
- Regulates cholesterol: Regular consumption of almonds helps to increase the level of high density lipoproteins (HDL) and reduce the level of low density lipoproteins (LDL), thereby effectively controlling cholesterol levels. LDL cholesterol is called bad cholesterol.
- Good for heart: Mono-saturated fat, protein and potassium contained in almonds are good for the heart. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and reduces the risk of heart diseases. The presence of magnesium in almonds helps to avoid heart attacks. Almonds help reduce C-reactive protein which causes artery-damaging inflammation. Almond is also a source of folic acid. They therefore help to reduce the level of homocystein, which causes fatty plaque buildup in arteries.
- Regulates blood pressure: Potassium present in almond helps to regulates blood pressure. Almonds are very low in sodium which also helps in containing blood pressure.
- Good for brain: Almond is a source of many nutrients which helps in brain development. Almond induces high intellectual level.
- Prevention of cancer: Almond improves the movement of food through the colon, thereby preventing colon cancer.
- Protection against diabetes: Almond also helps in reducing the rise in sugar and insulin levels after meals. This offers protection from diabetes.
- Good in pregnancy: Almond contains folic acid. Folic acid helps to ensure no birth defects in newborn babies.
- Reduce weight: Unsweetened almond milk helps one to reduce weight. The mono-saturated fat contained in almonds satisfies appetite and prevents over-eating. Studies have revealed that almond rich low calorie diet is good for obese people to assist in shedding their weight.
- Avoids constipation: Almond contains fiber. Fiber rich food help avoid constipation.
- Boosts energy: The presence of Manganese, Copper and Riboflavin helps in energy production.
- Prevent Gallstones: Regular consumption of nuts helps reduce the risk of developing Gallstones by about 25 percent.
One avoids the risk of Alzheimer's disease by consuming almonds. Consumption of almonds is also good for improving complexion and boosting immunity.
But just like any other food, even almonds have their cons. They contain oxalates and excessive oxalates can cause crystallization. So people having kidney or gallbladder problems should avoid eating almonds.
Both sweet and bitter almonds are available. Usually, sweet almonds are edible and bitter almonds are used to make almond oil, which is used to add flavor to food. Almonds are usually eaten raw, but people also add them as ingredients in salads. Almond milk is a delicious drink.
This article was contributed by Gisha and edited by Prerna.
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