Almonds are the seeds of the fruits of the beautiful almond tree that bears fragrant pink and white blossoms-- in fact, the almond fruit's cousins are the peach and apricot fruits. Almond nut actually refers to the seed of the almond fruit. Tasty and nutritious, almonds make a great snack and are loaded with minerals. Just by eating a small handful of almonds every day can help promote heart health and weight loss, fight against diabetes, and even act as prevention against Alzheimers! Read on to find out some major health benefits of this special nut, tips on eating it, and some fun facts about this seed-nut.
Health Benefits
1. Lower 'Bad' Cholesterol levels
Regular consumption of almonds helps increase the level of "good" cholesterol while reducing the levels of "bad" cholesterol-- a balance of cholesterol is essential for a healthy cholesterol level and the reduction of bad cholesterol is, obviously, always good.
Almonds are a great source of many vitamins and minerals, including phosphorous. Phosphorous plays a key role in the strength and durability of both bones and teeth while also preventing age-related diseases concerning the bone.
3. Weight loss
Almonds contain a high content of fiber, protein and fat, therefore it only takes a small handful of this nut to make you feel full, preventing you from overeating. Almonds also contain magnesium that help regulate the sugar levels in your blood, a key part of the process of reducing food cravings. They are the ultimate weight-loss-friendly snack but because they are naturally high in calories, it is important to eat no more than 23 individual almonds per day.
4. Boosts energy
The presence of many minerals including manganese and copper in almonds helps the production of more energy in the mitochondria of the cells in your body and metabolic rate. If you're on the go and need a boost of energy that does not fill you up with calories or fat, eat a handful of almonds and you're set for the day.
5. Prevents Colon Cancer
Almonds improve the movement of food through the colon, which prevents build up of food in the colon which can result in bacteria formation and, in the end, colon cancer.
6. Prevents constipation
Almonds are rich in fiber, all fiber-rich foods help prevent constipation. In fact, almonds are a home remedy known by many families to cure constipation.
7. Protects against Diabetes
Unsalted almonds contain a magnesium which is believed to be instrumental in the metabolism of carbohydrates, in fact, da high daily magnesium intake reduces the risk of getting diabetes by 33% (A Harvard University study)! They not only prevent diabetes but also help people with Type 2 diabetes maintain their blood glucose and cholesterol levels (diabetes.co.uk).
Unsalted almonds contain a magnesium which is believed to be instrumental in the metabolism of carbohydrates, in fact, da high daily magnesium intake reduces the risk of getting diabetes by 33% (A Harvard University study)! They not only prevent diabetes but also help people with Type 2 diabetes maintain their blood glucose and cholesterol levels (diabetes.co.uk).
8. Makes you smarter!
Almonds are a great source of many nutrients which play a key role in the development and health of the brain, in fact, they are considered an essential food item for growing children's brains.
9. Strengthens Immune System
Vitamin E, found in almonds, is an antioxidant which has been shown by experiments to help support the immune system and slow down the aging process. Vitamin E prevents other vitamins from oxidation and as a result, allows them to do their work in the body.
Vitamin E, found in almonds, is an antioxidant which has been shown by experiments to help support the immune system and slow down the aging process. Vitamin E prevents other vitamins from oxidation and as a result, allows them to do their work in the body.
10. Reduces the risk of heart diseases
Mono-unsaturated fats, protein and potassium that almonds contain all play a key role in heart health, in fact, they are essential for a healthy heart. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that also help reduce the risk of getting heart disease while magnesium helps prevent heart attacks. Almonds also prevent artery wall damage, which happens to be one of the causes of heart damage.
Tips
1. It is important to drink lots of water while eating almonds to speed up the digestive process and beneficial effects.
2. Eat no more than 23 almonds in a day
Fun Facts
1. Did you know one of the most interesting facts about almonds is they aren’t technically a nut at all? Almonds are actually a seed.
2. Almost every type of almond you buy in the US of America comes from California
3. Without bees, almonds won't exist
4. The hulls of almonds don't go into the waste basket, they are used for cattle feed
5. There are 30 different varieties of almonds, but only 10 types undergo production.
Fun Facts
1. Did you know one of the most interesting facts about almonds is they aren’t technically a nut at all? Almonds are actually a seed.
2. Almost every type of almond you buy in the US of America comes from California
3. Without bees, almonds won't exist
4. The hulls of almonds don't go into the waste basket, they are used for cattle feed
5. There are 30 different varieties of almonds, but only 10 types undergo production.
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