Almonds are an extraordinarily popular drupe nut tree, scientifically designated as Prunusdulcis. Despite being high in fat, almonds are highly nutritious, extremely healthy and full of medicinal value. This makes almonds an indispensable inclusion in human diet. Almonds are recommended to all age groups for immense nutritional benefits. Almonds can be consumed in the original form with the nutty texture or can be soaked in water, both the forms are equally good and have peculiar health benefits.
Here we highlight top 11 significant health benefits derived out of eating almonds.
1. Prevent heart related problems
Almonds contain healthy mono unsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs); antioxidants and other nutrients like arginine, magnesium, copper, manganese, calcium and potassium that maintain cardiac health and prevents cardiovascular disease. Almonds’ antioxidant flavonoids, present in their skin along with vitamin E recover artery health and reduce inflammation.
2. Lowers cholesterol levels
It is well known that high levels of LDL lipoproteins or the bad cholesterol in the blood is a high risk factor for heart disease. Almond intake can induce mild reductions in LDL cholesterol levels and increase the level of high density lipoproteins (HDL), hence maintain healthy cholesterol levels in body.
3. Regulate blood sugar levels preventing diabetes
The MUFAs present in almonds slower the rate glucose (sugar) release into the bloodstream, prevent insulin (the sugar-controlling hormone) resistance hence prevent diabetes disease conditions. Almonds are high source of magnesium that may also prevent type II diabetes.
4. Escalates nutrient absorption and digestive health
Almonds makes digestive tract alkaline, reduces the acid and maintain a healthy body pH that is crucial for proper digestion, general immunity and prevention of disease. Almonds also contain probiotic components that facilitate healthy bacterial growth in the gut that help with digestion, detoxification. Apart from these properties, almonds are rich in fiber and hence prevent constipation, keep our digestion and bowel movements regular.
5. An excellent brain food
Almonds are a good source of two vital nutrients known as riboflavinand L-carnitine, which increase brain activity and enhance the overall well-being and functioning of the nervous system. Almonds have been shown to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
6. Preserve dental and bone health
Almonds are a worthy source of minerals like magnesium and phosphorus required for sustaining strong teeth and bones, prevent tooth decay or cavities, and lower the risk of bone fractures and prevent osteoporosis.
7. Retains skin health
Almonds are amongst the best sources of vitamin E, healthy fats and antioxidants such as catechin, epicatechin, quercetin, kaempferol and iso rhamnetin that nourishes the skin and reduce signs of aging. These rich antioxidants have a tendency to form up in cell membranes in the body and protect the cells from oxidative damage, while healthy fats keeps the skin hydrated and facilitates healthy healing of wounds.
8. Assists weight loss goals
Healthy fats and dietary fiber aid in weight loss because they help you feel full, which curbs overeating and unhealthy snacking. Although nuts are high in fat and calories, they prolong the feeling of satisfaction after you eat and keep your blood sugar more stable than low-fat meals do. Thus, you’re less likely to experience a roller-coaster of energy dips and food cravings.
9. Lifts up energy levels
The presence of manganese, copper and Riboflavin in almonds helps in energy production and metabolic rate without accumulating calories or fat.
10. Regulation of blood pressure
Interestingly sodium levels found in almonds are less, while the potassium present in almonds regulates blood pressure levels. Additionally, other nutrients like vitamins and minerals found in almonds prevent anxiety, stress and increased blood pressure.
11. Good for pregnancy
Almonds contain folic acid that helps to reduce the birth defects in newborn babies such as neural tube defects, and hence retain mother and their baby health. Almonds also assist in healthy cell growth and tissue formation. Almond oil massages are often recommended for newborn babies.
So include 5 to 6 almonds in your diet every day to reap in the benefits and stay healthy. It will help you to live a better and relishing life.