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Almonds are usually consumed as a snack. They are actually the fruit of deciduous almond trees that are found in the Mediterranean region as well as in North Africa. They come in many different forms. Almond oil extracts are used for various purposes such as cooking and cosmetic purposes. Almonds are a popular ingredient in baking as well.
Recent studies have been throwing light on the many benefits of almonds as well as other nuts. They contain good fats that can help to prevent major illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, cholesterol problems, and so forth. In this section, let us explore the major health benefits of almond nuts.
- Almonds are rich in good fatty acids or good fats.
When consumed in adequate quantities, essential fatty acids can help to boost the levels of good cholesterol in the body. Additionally, almonds are a great source of omega -3 fatty acids for those who have a primarily vegetarian diet. - Almonds contain a substantial amount of vitamin E.
According to studies, an ounce of almonds contains up to 35% of the body’s daily requirement of vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps to prevent damage by the free radicals in the body. Antioxidants help to fight serious illnesses like cancer by strengthening the cells in the body.
Additionally, they also help to prevent aging and have beneficial effects on the skin and hair. - The health benefits of almond nuts also include prevention of diabetes as it is rich in dietary fiber. Dietary fiber provides roughage for the body and therefore also helps to regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation. Studies suggest that dietary fiber helps to regulate blood sugar levels in the body; this is a boon for patients with diabetes, where controlling blood sugar can be a matter of life or death. Food items with dietary fiber also make you feel full for a longer period of time. This prevents unnecessary binging and can help in an indirect way to control weight.
Medicinal uses
Almonds contain many medicinal qualities that can help to dramatically improve our health when eaten in proper quantities. As it is high in fat, health conscious folks initially avoided eating almonds and other nuts. However, recent research has thrown to light the importance of good fats in the body. Almonds, today, are considered a healthy snack. It is also used in other forms to improve functions of the body. Home remedies and alternative healing practices believe in the importance of almonds for healthy hair and glowing skin.
Healthy hair is an important part of a person’s personality as it is a prominent and highly visible part of the body. Over the centuries, people have spent a lot of time grooming and maintaining their tresses. Almonds are good for the hair as they contain magnesium, an important mineral that helps to keep the hair healthy and robust. A lot of people may suffer from magnesium deficiency due to an improper diet. Eating almonds in moderate quantities can help the hair regain its natural shine.
Ancient Indian practices have always used almonds (also known as badam in Hindi) for healthy skin. Badam is good for the skin as it contains plenty of vitamin E that helps to keep the skin from aging. Vitamin E additionally helps to moisturize the skin and can also help to battle acne and reduce its occurrence.
Compared to other snacks such as fizzy drinks and fried food, almonds have plenty of benefits to offer. It is a tasty alternative that kids would not mind eating either. As a word of caution, please make sure that your child does not have any nut allergy as this can create serious medical complications. Raw almonds are also better than the salted varieties available in the market as they have less sodium.
References:
http://nutrition.ucdavis.edu/content/infosheets/bite-almond.pdf
http://anrcatalog.ucdavis.edu/pdf/8406.pdf
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