By: Kauser Khan (Associate Editor-ICN Group)
The almond is a species of tree native to India, North Africa, and the Middle East.
Almonds contain lots of healthy fats, fiber, protein, magnesium and vitamin E. The health benefits of almonds include lower blood sugar levels, reduced blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels. They can also reduce hunger and promote weight loss.
Junk food is high in calories, but low in nutrients. Filling your diet with junk food causes an array of problems in your body.Junk food is often high in sugar, fat and calories, while providing very few nutrients.
The almond is a species of tree native to India, North Africa, and the Middle East.The almonds which we consume are, in fact, seeds; they are a “drupe” and are therefore not considered a true nut.
Almond trees are believed to have been one of the earliest trees to have been domesticated. Evidence of domesticated almond trees dating to 3,000-2,000 BC have been unearthed in Jordan.
The almond gets no less than ten mentions in the Bible, the first of which, in Genesis, describes it as being “among the best of fruits.”
Wild almonds (bitter almonds) contain glycoside amygdalin. Once an almond is crushed or chewed, this compound is converted into prussic acid (hydrogen cyanide) – a deadly poison.
Eating a few dozen could be fatal. Domesticated almonds (sweet almonds), however, do not contain glycoside amygdalin and are, of course, safe to eat.
They reduce heart attack risk.
Those who consume nuts five times a week have about a 50 percent reduction in risk of heart attack according to the Loma Linda School of Public Health.
They lower “bad” cholesterol.
Almonds added to the diet have a favorable effect on blood cholesterol levels.
They protects artery walls from damage.
It was found that the flavonoids in almond skins work in synergy with the vitamin E, thus reducing the risk of heart disease.
Almonds help build strong bones and teeth.
The phosphorus in almonds helps make this possible.
They provide healthy fats and aid in weight loss:
Almonds lower the rise in blood sugar and insulin after meals.
They help provide good brain function.
Almonds contain riboflavin and L-carnitine, nutrients that boost brain activity and may also reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
They nourish the nervous system.
According to Ayurveda, almonds help increase high intellectual level and longevity.
Natural, unsalted almonds are a tasty and nutritious snack with plenty of health benefits.
