The Health Benefits of Almonds
Almonds Health Benefits
Need a giant energy boost that won’t kill your diet? Grab a handful of almonds! There are few perfect foods in the world, but almonds come pretty close.
There are so many health benefits of almonds and many are still being discovered. Almonds are on one of the best sources of Vitamin E, with only 25 g providing over 70% of the recommended daily amount. Almonds also have more calcium in them than any other nut does.
This makes almonds a great choice for vegetarians. Vitamin B17, which is thought to be an anti-cancer nutrient, is also prevalent in Almonds. There are other health benefits of almonds, as well, and some could be surprising. First, a little history about this “superfood.”
The History of Almonds
What started growing on a mountainside in Central Asia was soon a favorite food of travelers on the Silk Road. Before long, almonds were found in the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Europe.
Eventually, in many early societies, the almond was worshipped as a fertility charm. Newlyweds were showered with them as a blessing for their marriage.
Van Gogh and Shakespeare both referenced the almond in their work. The almond was considered valuable and it was a key factor in many economies in Europe.
Father Junipero Serra first brought the almond to America, but when he tried to grow almond trees on the California coast, he didn’t have much luck. About a hundred years later, the Central Valley of California proved to be the perfect setting for growing almonds.
This led to a very prosperous industry in California, and it’s still the only area in North America where almonds are grown today.
The Incredible Health Benefits of Almonds
Almonds are a terrific source of magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, and fiber. They are also good source of the healthy kind of fat, monounsaturated fats. When coupled with the Vitamin E and calcium found in high levels in almonds, these all combine to form a very healthy food.
Healthy Heart Benefits
There are several phytochemicals found in almonds, which include stigmasterol, campesterol, and beta-sisterol, which are all believed to help promote a healthy heart. Even just a handful of almonds each day can help to lower the bad blood cholesterol (LDL) by up to ten percent. The monounsaturated fats are one of the reasons why.
Almost every research study done about the Mediterranean diet shows that almonds are one of the reasons why the risk of cancer and heart disease is lower. On top of that, people who consistently each a Mediterranean diet live longer.
A Natural Weight Loss Aid
Until recently, almonds were though to be fattening; however, after several studies, it’s been proven that those who eat more nuts tend to have a lower body mass. Even though the almond is high in calories and fat, when they are eaten in moderation, almonds can actually help promote weight loss.
Other Health Benefits of Almonds
Almonds are very high in protein, but are very low in carbohydrates. This makes them the perfect snack for those with blood sugar issues, such as diabetics. In the Chinese culture, almonds are considered to be anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and they are often used as a tonic.
Due to their high calcium content, they are known as bone and brain food. These nuts also prevent acne, wrinkles, and dry skin. You can get a flawless, glowing complexion with a regular massage of almond oil.
It is also a good treatment for the dark circles under the eye. There are many cultures that believe almonds are an aphrodisiacs.
A Final Thought
Almonds are one of nature’s healthiest foods. There are few drawbacks and the health benefits of almonds are numerous.
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