Eating almonds in moderation promotes lower cholesterol levels, prevents heart disease and can help with weight loss.
Almonds are a great source of vitamin E, with 25g providing 70 percent of the recommended daily allowance. They also have good amounts of magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, fibre and are a good source of healthy monounsaturated fat. They contain more calcium than any other nut which makes them great for vegetarians who do not eat any dairy products.
They also contain amygdalin, also known as laetrile or vitamin B17, the controversial anti-cancer nutrient.
Heart-healthy
Almonds contain several phytochemicals including beta-sisterol stigmasterol and campesterol which is thought to contribute to a healthy heart. A handful of almonds a day helps reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering LDL, or ‘bad’ blood cholesterol by as much as ten percent.
Their high monounsaturated fat content, a key fat found in many Mediterranean diets, gives them much greater benefits than simply being cholesterol-lowering. Nearly every research study shows those who eat a traditional Mediterranean diet not only have a lower risk of heart disease and cancer, they also live longer.
Weight Loss Aid
For many years almonds were considered ‘fattening’. However, studies, including the Nurses’ Health Study and the Physicians’ Follow-up Study showed those who ate the most nuts tended to have lower body mass indexes. Although almonds are high in fat and calories, eating them in moderation can actually help with weight loss.
One study comparing two groups of dieters eating the same amount of calories found the group eating 500 of their calories from almonds lost more weight. One theory is that almond cell walls may limit the amount of dietary fat available for digestion, or for absorption. Therefore, it is a possibility that a small portion of the calories from almonds may not be completely absorbed by the body. Either way, replacing a given amount of calories in the diet with almonds will not equal the same in weight gain.
High Protein Source
As almonds are high in protein, around 18 percent, and contain virtually no carbohydrates, they are ideal for diabetics, pre-diabetics or anyone with blood sugar issues.
Anti-inflammatory and Anti-spasmodic
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, almonds are considered anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, emollient and are also used as a tonic. They are also known as brain and bone food, probably due to their high calcium content. They help with alkalinizing the blood and relieve chi stagnation in the liver.
In Ayurvedic medicine almonds are used to strengthen ojas and are said to nurture self control and calmness of the mind and nerves.
The copyright of the article Health Benefits of Almonds in Food Facts is owned by Fiona Wilkinson. Permission to republish Health Benefits of Almonds in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Almonds are good for heart & weight loss.ALMONDS ARE EXCELLENT SOURCE
OF PROTEIN THANKS KISHORE
Jan 9, 2009 9:26 AM
Guest :
I discovered for hot flashes if I eat 5-7 almonds in the morning and 5-7 at
night I have no hot flashes not sure what is happening all I know is I am
glad no more hot flashes. I hope this might help other who get to have the
wonderful experience of hot flashes. I donnot believe that 5-7 is correct
but I do know it works for me. Give it a try what do we have to loose just
those hot flashes. HJH
Mar 13, 2009 5:39 AM
Guest :
Almonds are a good source of omega 3 oils and it helps the heart to
function properly, but eating too much of alomnds are not good also. it may
have the reverse effect , so just a handful of almonds is enough for the
day. Dr.Jude
Jul 1, 2009 2:19 AM
Guest :
I am eating almonds right now, they are great in trailmix! YAY!
Jul 19, 2009 7:45 AM
Guest :
I also have noticed the connection between almonds and hot flashes! I just
recently had a complete hysterectomy and removal of ovaries and I was
supposed to go into immediate menopause. At the same time, for some reason
I started snacking on almonds during the day and I noticed that my hot
flashes diminished noticeably. I went on a trip and didn't eat them for
three days and now I noticed the hot flashes are back and bothersome.
Since this was the only change in my diet, I think the almonds really
helped!
Aug 16, 2009 6:02 PM
Guest :
Almonds are my favorite food: 3 almonds for breakfast, 2 for lunch, and
1&1/2 for dinner. After only one day I felt the benefits of this
healthy diet, I almost passed out. :)
Sep 14, 2009 11:02 AM
Guest :
I eat almonds like there is no tomorrow! In a typical day, I eat about an
entire bag before the sun has even gone down (not even kidding!) and I am
sooo happy to learn that they are really good for me, too. My mom is always
trying to tell me that they will make me fat and that more than a handfull
is bad for me, but I can finally prove to her that it is exactly the
opposite. :)
Sep 25, 2009 6:56 AM
Guest :
Is there any difference in the health benefits between natural almonds and
roasted almonds. I heard roasted almonds are not as good for you. Anyone?
Oct 10, 2009 10:55 PM
Guest :
i want to ask one thing does the dried salted almonds contain the same
benefits if possible answer in Hammad_321@hotmail.com
