Almonds (Almond Seeds) health Benefits: Almonds are said to be one of the world’s most loved tree nuts that are highly nutritious and filled with fats, antioxidants including vitamins and minerals. Most people are aware of the facts that almonds are good for your health, but the question lies what are their various health benefits?
Whether you may be relishing an ice cream with almond toppings or having a glass of almond milk, you name it and this nut is a major satisfaction to your taste buds and this also helps in a healthy diet. Now the question is how something this small can have a huge impact on your health? This is because almond seeds have antioxidants, proteins, hearty fats and minerals that are good for your body.
Facts About Almonds:
You know for sure that almonds are good for your health, but let’s take a peek into what are its various health benefits and this can benefit you in the long run. Here are some must-know facts about almonds and how they can benefit you.
- Almonds are rich in proteins, fibre and nutrients
- Almond trees are the oldest domesticated trees that date back to 3000 to 2000 BC in Jordan
- Almonds reduce your risk of cholesterol
- Almond can regulate blood sugar
- Consuming almonds in excess can cause nausea, diarrhoea, shortness of breath and problems in swallowing etc.
- Almond is not a nut, instead, it is a seed of a fruit
- Almonds can be stored in a refrigerator for 2 years and this is because of their high content of vitamin E
- India considers almonds as major brain food for children
Health Benefits of Almond Seeds:
Almonds are said to be beneficial for your health, but in what ways is the question that you need to ask yourself. So, what are the health benefits of almonds and what good would this nut do if it is added to your daily diet? Well, here are some scientifically proven benefits of almonds and their usages.
1. Almond Seeds Reduce Cholesterol:
According to a recent study by the American Dietetic Association, consuming almonds were proven to increase your levels of Vitamin E in your red blood cells and also reduces your risks of having cholesterol. By boosting the levels of vitamin E in your bloodstream antioxidants are formed that prevents your cells from clogging developing cholesterol. Thus consuming a handful of almonds daily can generate more vitamin E into your bloodstream and this can also save you from the risk of developing cholesterol.
2. Almond Seeds are Good for Your Heart:
When almonds are consumed along with some other nuts, it is said that it is good for your heart. Well, according to a study published in 2014, researchers found that samples in the study who consumed almonds has more antioxidants in their bloodstream and this helped in reducing blood pressure and improved the flow of blood to various parts of the body. Also, the research concluded by stating that Mediterranean diets that had a lot of nuts in their foods had more health benefits.
3. Almond Seeds Regulate Blood Sugar:
Consuming almonds is said to regulate blood sugar levels and stabilize them. This is because almonds have magnesium in them and it advised that you consume a handful of almonds daily. However, for people suffering from type 2 diabetes, almonds play an integral role in stabilizing it. So what basically happens if a diabetic person consumes almonds? The answer is, the person would develop insulin resistance which is great for people suffering from diabetes and this is because of the content of magnesium in the nut.
4. Almond Seeds can help control Blood pressure levels:
Low magnesium levels can cause high blood pressure. This leads to heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure. Almonds contain magnesium which helps control blood pressure effectively. If your body lacks magnesium, you must add almonds to your diet.
5. Almond Seeds have High Vitamin E:
Almonds are said to contain higher levels of Vitamin E which is an antioxidant that protects your cells from getting toxic. With higher amounts of vitamin E being pumped into your bloodstream, this reduces your risks of developing Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and heart disease. Make sure that your intake of vitamin E is moderated because excessive intake of vitamin E can lead to prostate cancer. Make sure you consume how much is needed and do not do it in excess.
6. Almond Seeds Reduces Weight:
Almonds have higher contents of protein and fiber and lower levels of carbohydrates that curbs your appetite and does not keep you craving for long. This also helps in reducing the number of calories on a daily basis. When almonds have the tendency to curb your appetite, this means that you can control what you intake and this helps in regulating your weight.
7. Almond Seeds are Rich in Nutrients:
The edible seeds drawn out of almond trees are almonds and the United States is the largest producer of almonds in the world. Almonds are rich in nutrients wherein just 28 grams of almonds contain:
- 6 grams of protein
- 3.5 grams of fiber
- 14 grams of fat
- 37% of vitamin E
- 32% of manganese
- 20% of magnesium
Note: Almonds also contain a good source of copper, vitamin B12 and phosphorus that provides 161 calories and 2.5 grams of digestive carbohydrates.
8. Almond Seeds are Good for Your Eyes:
While carrots are said to be very good for your eyes, almonds have a high source of vitamin E that protect your eyes and prevents abnormal changes to your lens. Thus, consuming almonds will protects your eyes, but do not consume this in excess as this can lead to weight gain. Make it a point to consume almonds in moderation.
9. Almond Seeds have a Rich Source of Antioxidants:
Almonds have a rich source of antioxidants that can protect you against stress. Stress leads to molecule damage that thereby results in inflammation, cancer and ageing. The antioxidants prevalent in almonds benefit your skin. However, consuming 84 grams of almonds per day can increase the levels of antioxidants in your body that will protect you from ageing and various other diseases.
10. Almond Nourishes Skin:
You may have read about almonds being a major part of the ingredients in most skin products and this is because of the fact that this nut has loads of benefits for your skin. Almonds contain a flavonoid that is similarly found in green tea and broccoli. This component nourishes your skin and is an anti-ageing property for your skin.
11. Almond Seeds Prevent Cancer:
Almonds have certain amounts of fiber present in them that helps in detoxifying the body. Consuming almonds help food to move through the digestive system more easily. Almonds have high fiber in them and this reduces your risk of developing colon cancer. It also has loads of vitamin E and flavonoids that regulate breast cancer.
12. Almond Seeds Improve Your Brain Power:
Almonds contain L-carnitine and riboflavin that helps in the growth of brain cells. One major chemical that helps the brain in cognitive function is phenylalanine and almonds do have this chemical in them. Consuming just five pieces of almonds every morning can help you boost your brainpower.
13. Almond Seeds are Best for Treating Anaemia:
Anaemia is usually caused when red blood cells carry very less oxygen to the brain. Thus, almonds contain copper, iron and vitamins that help in producing more haemoglobin and as a result, almonds can be used to prevent anaemia.
14. Almond Seeds are Good for Your Nerves:
Almonds have some amount of magnesium in them that benefits the nervous system. This also helps in developing a healthy metabolic rate. Magnesium also helps in better bone tissue. This has so much benefit that even peanut butter cannot offer you.
15. Almond Seeds Treat Acne and Blackheads:
Almonds are considered to be the best remedy that can prevent and fight acne, blackheads and whiteheads through the fatty acids found in them. These fatty acids control the oil that gets clogged in these skin pores and thus when the almond oil is applied to your skin it also helps in reducing skin rashes.
16. Almond Seeds Treat Stretch Marks:
Almond oil makes it effective for treating stretch marks by nourishing the skin and preventing skin tear. All you need to do is to heat the almond oil and apply it to the stretch marks and leave for an hour. Make sure you apply this twice a day and you will see the difference.
17. Almond Seeds Prevent Grey Hair:
Almond oil is very essential in treating any kind of hair problems from hair fall to preventing hair from turning grey, you name it and almond oil comes in handy. Almond oil also helps in curing dandruff and other types of hair problems. The best part about using almond oil for your hair is that it gives a silky and shiny texture.
18. Almond Seeds Help in Hair Growth:
Lack of magnesium in your body leads to loss of hair and thus the high amounts of magnesium found in almonds help your hair grow fast and develop strong strands. Thus, almonds help in hair growth.
19. Almond Seeds are Natural Anesthetics:
When it comes to any stitching of your skin, plucking of the tooth or so forth, almond oil can play an important role such that it can heal as an anaesthetic. Almond oil has a toxic compound called glycoside amygdalin that makes your nerves insensitive and so you may feel numb once this is applied. Also, keep in mind that you can use bitter almond oil only as an anaesthetic and not for any other purposes.
20. Almond Seeds Increase Mental Alertness:
When almonds are mixed with milk they become rich in potassium. This is one of the main minerals that boost the number of electrolytes in your body, thus providing the body with more energy. When there is a boost in electrolytes, your memory flow also increases and this can happen by consuming almond milk. In simple terms, almond milk makes your memory sharper.
Risks of Consuming Almonds:
If almonds are good for your health, it also has its own drawbacks if it is excessively consumed. Some people may develop allergies due to the over-consumption of almonds. Here are some of the risks that are associated with the consumption of almonds.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Diarrhoea
- Shortness in breath
- Severe itching
Note: If you are allergic to consuming almonds, then you need to avoid this nut as this can cause further complications.
Managing Almond Allergies:
If you are allergic to almonds or even other nuts, it is essential to have some basic information regarding these allergies and how to manage them. Here are a few basic things you should keep in mind:
Types of almond allergy:
- Almond allergies can be of two types. The common type of allergy is the primary allergy, where the body reacts adversely to the food directly. This type of allergy is usually more severe, potentially causing reactions that can lead to anaphylactic shock which can even be fatal.
- The second less common type of allergy, called secondary allergy, is caused by cross-reactivity. In this case, the consumer is allergic to other substances such as birch pollen, a common allergen for hay fever. The allergic reaction to almonds is caused by a cross-reaction with certain chemicals present in the nut. Secondary allergy is usually less severe, with symptoms limited to itching, swelling of the mouth, and hive outbreaks.
- Allergic reactions can occur even if you don’t consume almonds directly. A number of recipes, confectioneries, and pastries use almond oil as an ingredient. Almond oil is also present in various toiletries such as soaps, shampoos, conditioners, etc. Check the ingredient list when using products that may contain almond extracts, essences, or flavourings. You can also have an allergic reaction to these products if you are allergic to almonds.
It is important to remember the almond allergy symptoms and reach out to a medical professional as early as possible when faced with an allergic reaction.
FAQs:
Now that you have understood the benefits of almonds, here are some frequently asked questions that will shed some more light on some of its other facets. Almonds can do good to your health, but it can also be very dangerous if it is excessively consumed. This means that you need to moderately consume almonds.
1. What happens if you eat too many almonds?
Any that is consumed in excess has its own de-merits and in the case of consuming almonds in excess, you need to consume it in moderation as this nut can cause various other health problems if eaten in excess. Here is what may happen if you consume a lot of almonds.
> Weight Gain
> Digestive problems
> May lead to kidney stones
> May develop nut allergies
> Will lead to toxication
2. How many almond Seeds can I eat a day?
Though almonds are considered healthy for you, there is a certain amount of them that you can consume. The number of almond intake depends on whether you are looking for weight gain or weight loss. So, if you want to put on more weight, then you can have 40 almonds a day beginning from breakfast. Well if you looking for weight loss, you need to consume only 5 almonds with a glass of milk for breakfast.
3. Why should you consume soaked almonds?
The skin of the almond has tannin, which inhibits the absorption of nutrients. This makes eating almonds less useful. It is easy to peel the almonds when they have been soaked for a while in lukewarm water. You may also use soaked and peeled almonds to make almond milk.
4. Are almonds poisonous?
There are two different types of almonds namely sweet and bitter almonds. Bitter almond has healing properties such that it is used in bitter almond oil that acts as a natural anaesthetic while surgery. But bitter almonds are very dangerous because it contains glycoside amygdalin which is poisonous content if consumed. When bitter almonds are heated, they generated hydrogen cyanide which is an instant killer.
What is the purpose of almond seeds?
Almonds, along with other nuts and seeds, may help improve lipid, or fat, levels in the blood. This can benefit heart health. In a study from 2014, scientists found that almonds significantly increased the levels of antioxidants in the bloodstream, reduced blood pressure, and improved blood flow.
Is almond seed good for the heart?
Eating almonds helps to lower levels of the bad kind of cholesterol, called low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and increase levels of the good kind, high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Almonds also have anti-inflammatory properties to help protect you from heart disease.
How do you use almond seeds?
You can add almonds to your cereal bowl, oats, smoothies and shakes to make breakfast more nutritious. You can also have soaked almonds as a snack by pairing them up with some raisins, walnuts and pumpkin seeds.
What is the best time to eat almond seeds?
To receive the maximum benefits from almonds, it is recommended to consume them in the morning. Consuming nuts along with your breakfast helps regulate blood sugar, keeps you satiated and boosts your metabolism.
What nutrients are in almonds?
Almonds are rich in protein, fibre, vitamin E, calcium, copper, magnesium and riboflavin. They are also a source of iron, potassium, zinc and the B vitamins, niacin, thiamine and folate. A 30-gram serving has 13g of healthy unsaturated fats and 1g of saturated fat.
What are some interesting facts about almonds?
Almonds have one of the highest content of protein of all nuts! Per 100g there is 21.1g of protein giving almonds one of the highest protein content of all nuts! Almonds make a great addition to smoothies for those trying to bulk up! They are also great additions to vegetarian and vegan diets!
What is the work of almond seeds?
Almonds are considered to be the best remedy that can prevent and fight acne, blackheads and whiteheads through the fatty acids found in them. These fatty acids control the oil that gets clogged in these skin pores and thus when the almond oil is applied to your skin it also helps in reducing skin rashes.
Does almond increase memory?
Nuts like almonds, pistachios and macadamias each bring something special to the table. Almonds help improve memory, pistachio nut oils help preserve fatty acids and prevent inflammation, and macadamias contribute to normal brain function.
Almonds serve many beneficial purposes to all of us and as a result, they must be consumed within the limit. Excessive consumption can be fatal. If you’re looking for a healthy lifestyle, don’t forget to add it to your regular diet. So, live healthily and stay fit.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. Blinzo.com does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.