Almond is considered to be one of the healthiest nuts in the world. Because almonds are packed with a range of nutrients like proteins, healthy fats, minerals and vitamins, they offer a number of health benefits. Almonds are present in every part of the world and they can be found throughout the year. This means that they can be included in your meals or taken as snack every single day.
Almonds are rich in protein (21%) and contain essential amino acids. They contain carbohydrates as well as dietary fiber. Almonds are also rich in essential minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium and Vitamin E and B. Almonds are tasty and nutritious as well. Some of their health benefits include:
Promotes weight loss.
Despite their high calorie value, a handful of almonds can reduce your carvings, while supplementing your diet with healthy fats, fiber and other high-quality nutrients. Recent studies have shown that adding almonds to everyday diet brings many health benefits including weight loss.
Improves brain function
There are a number of essential nutrients contained in almonds which can help promote brain health and the overall development of the brain. People who eat almonds tend to have a higher intellectual level. This is the reason it is important to include almonds in the diet of growing children. L-Carnitine and riboflavin are the two essential brain nutrients contained in almonds and these are linked to increasing brain activity. Almond oil or almond included in the diet helps the nervous system to function properly and it also helps promote overall health.
Helps regulate cholesterol levels
High density lipoproteins or HDL levels are increased as a result of consuming almonds on a regular basis. They also reduce low density lipoproteins or LDL. In order to have a healthy cholesterol system, it is important to have a balance between HDL and LDL. LDL is bad cholesterol and reducing it is a good thing for your health.
Promotes bone health
Almonds contain many different vitamins and minerals including calcium and phosphorous which are essential for promoting bone health. Phosphorous strengthens bones as well as teeth and they can also prevent onset of certain age related conditions such as osteoporosis.
Promotes heart health
Potassium, protein and the mono-unsaturated fats contained in almonds can help promote heart health. Almond also contains vitamin E which is an essential antioxidant responsible for reducing the risk of diseases related to the heart. Magnesium in almonds can help prevent heart attacks. In addition, almonds provide a good amount of folic acid to the body which helps reduce the build up of fatty plaque in arteries. In fact the walls of the arteries are also protected when the Vitamin E in the almonds combines with the flavonoids present in the skin of the nut and forms a powerful shield. A diet which has been enriched with almonds can also improve the vascular system.
Strengthens the immune system
Almonds provide alkali materials to the body which can help strengthen the immune system. There are a number of health conditions and diseases which can be avoided as a result of consuming almonds. Almonds contribute to the alkaline levels of the system and eliminate free radicals which can promote chronic diseases. In fact, people who consume almonds regularly are less likely to suffer heart problems due to the presence of high amounts of Vitamin E in the nut.
