Whether in chocolates, or in shakes, or in cookies, or simply plain, almonds are undoubtedly the much-loved nuts. These crunchy nuts, besides being delectable and delicious, are also the assortment of a number of nutrients that can benefit your body and mind significantly. Moreover, the most astonishing fact of having almonds is that what we are eating is our desired thing and that too with additional advantages of getting beautiful skin, hair, body, and mind.
1. Good for Brain
The most preferred snack of every mother for their growing children is almond. It is great for sharpening memory and increasing the activities of the brain. Almond contains riboflavin and L-carnitine, which is essential for children. It also prevents the occurrence of Alzheimer’s. Soak 4-5 almonds overnight in water and eat it in the morning for best results.
2. Maintains Healthy Bones
This fantastic nut possesses minerals and vitamins, like phosphorus, which are good for durability and health of your bones and teeth, as well.
3. Helpful in Weight Loss
The mono-unsaturated fat in the almond can help those, who want to lose weight. Unsweetened almond milk is one option that can keep you satiated and will stop you craving for any other eatables. The dietary fibre in almond also gives the feeling of being full. It has been researched that those, who consume almonds daily, are likely to stick on their actual weight than those, who never consume almonds.
4. Strengthens Immune System
Almond helps in maintaining the level of alkalinity in the body, which, in fact, benefit the strength of the immune system. Thus, it fends off various diseases and adverse health conditions. It also has vitamin E, an antioxidant that wards off the damage-causing free radicals from the body.
5. Anti-Inflammatory
Certain fatty acids are necessary for our body and the body cannot produce them. Therefore, there is a need of consuming such eatables that can accomplish the need of fatty acids in the body. Almonds include two very vital fatty acids- linoleic and linolenic acids, which also reduces inflammation in the body.
6. Boosts Energy
Being rich in manganese, copper and Riboflavin, almonds helps in assimilating energy in the body. It is equally great in helping the metabolic rate. Guzzle up a handful of almond every day and leave the rest on these crunchy powerhouses.
7. Regulates Blood Pressure
The potassium contents in almond regulate blood pressure and the little amount of sodium in almond reduces the fluctuation of blood pressure.
8. Prevents Constipation
Being rich in fibre, almond is good in curing constipation. However, it is necessary to drink ample of water while consuming almonds so that the process of digestion may pace up. Just 4-5 almonds are enough to keep the bowel movement function well.
9. Protection against Diabetes
Almond balances the level of insulin and glucose in the body after having a meal. Often, people, who are diabetic, suffer from the blood sugar spikes. This can be controlled by consuming 2-3 almonds after every meal that makes the process of glucose regulation and absorption much smoother and harmless.
10. Regulates Cholesterol
Regular intake of almonds increases the level of HDL in the body and reduces the LDL or bad cholesterol. This way, almonds are excellent in balancing and maintaining the level of cholesterol in the body.
11. Good in Pregnancy
Almond is rich in folic acid, which curtails any sort of deficiencies in the developing baby inside the mother’s womb. It ensures the formation of healthy tissues and cell growth, which keeps both the mother and the child in the pink.
12. Good for Heart
The protein, mono-unsaturated fats, and potassium enclosed in almonds are all active in keeping the heart healthy. The vitamin E in almond is also helpful for the same purpose. In addition, the existence of magnesium in almonds lessens the risk of heart attacks.
13. Prevents Cancer
Almond also cures the progression of tumours in the body. It significantly prevents colon cancer.
Almonds contain healthy fats, which means you need to properly store them to prevent their taste and smell becoming repugnant. If you purchase shelled almonds, store them in a dry area away from direct sunlight. Too much moisture from weather or the atmosphere means the almonds don’t dry properly so the nut is damaged, leaving a strong bitter taste. Keep them within a sealed container. To make them long-lasting, keep them protected in the refrigerator where they’ll easily last for a few months, but you may need to leave them out overnight before consumption.
Did you know you can also store almonds in the freezer? Doing this will make them keep for up to one year. During your search for healthy almonds, you’ll come across shelled and blanched nuts. Shelled almonds last longer since their fats aren’t open to become exposed by air.
After discussing the 13 health benefits of almonds, is more better? Not necessarily. Almonds are high in fat so too many can have adverse effects if you don’t exercise enough and have a healthy, balanced diet. One study found that eating 35 grams of lightly salted almonds each day is an effective amount to lose belly fat and experience the above health benefits.
There are many ways to consume almonds on a daily basis. Grab a handful of shelled nuts from a supermarket-bought pack for a mid-morning snack. Combine this with a piece of fruit to banish hunger pains and up your nutrients. Alternatively, you can consume almonds in various other forms, including milk, paste, oil, and flour.
You can also use almonds to enhance your favorite dishes and desserts. For example, bake an almond cake, top your salad with nutshells for a delicious crunch, or combine almonds within rice pudding.
