Health Benefits of Almonds

Almond is the favorite nut of most persons; a lot of chocolate and skincare product in the market has almonds on it. What is almond nut? The almond nut that we enjoy eating is technically the seed of the fruit of the almond tree. The almond tree bears fruits with stone-like seeds (or pits) within. Almond tree is a medium size tree (growing to between 4 to 10 meters in height, with trunk of up to 30 centimeters in diameter), that bears fragrant pink and white flowers. Almonds are off-white in color, covered by a thin brownish skin, and encased in a hard shell. Almonds are available throughout the year and they are the freshest in mid-summer, which is when they are at the height of their season. Almonds are available in the market either still in their shell or with their shell removed. Shelled almonds are available whole, sliced or slivered in either their natural form, with their skin, or blanched, with their skin removed.

Types of Almonds:

• Sweet almond - are the type that is eaten, sweet almonds are oval in shape, usually malleable in texture and has a buttery taste.
• Bitter almond - are used to make almond oil that is used as a flavoring agent for foods and liqueurs. They are otherwise inedible as they naturally contain toxic substances such as hydrocyanic acid. These compounds are removed in the manufacturing of almond oil.

Almond Oil is extracted by cold process from the dried kernel of the plant. Almond oil is mild, lightweight oil, rich in unsaturated fats and essential fatty acids which are easily absorbed into the skin. That is why it is the favorite oil used by massage therapist to lubricate the skin during massage session. Because it is rich in many beneficial fats it is now a favorite ingredient in natural skin care products.

Health Benefits of Almonds: Whole Almonds (with skins) has the most health benefits, the flavonoids found in almond skin together with the vitamin E content in its meat more than double the antioxidant content of almonds. Sweet almonds itself contains practically no carbohydrates and may therefore be made into bread and cakes for low carbohydrates diets or for patients suffering from diabetes.

• Almond oil can help smoothes wrinkles and improved complexion because it is rich in unsaturated fats and essential fatty acids.
• Almond oil helps improved movement of food through the colon and therefore prevents colon cancer and other diseases in the intestines that results from constipation.
• Studies showed that including 73g of almonds in the daily diet helps reduced cholesterol level in the blood.
• Almond is considered food for the brain and nervous system. It is said to induce high intellectual level and longevity.
• Almond contains substances that have anti-inflammatory and immunity boosting effects
• Almonds are rich in monounsaturated fats (good fat). Studies showed that substituting nuts for an equivalent amount of carbohydrates in an average diet resulted in a 30% reduction in heart disease risk.
• Almonds can help keep the blood sugar under control.
• Help prevent Gallstones

Nutrient Contents of Almonds:

• Vitamin E - almonds contains 24mg of vitamin E per 100g
• Healthy fats - although one-quarter cup of almonds contains about 18 grams of fat, most of it (11 grams) is heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. Monounsaturated fat is responsible for lowering LDL cholesterol.
• Magnesium -1/4 cups of almonds contains almost 99 mg of magnesium. When there is enough magnesium around, veins and arteries breathe a sigh of relief and relax, which lessens resistance and improves the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
• Potassium - is important in nerve transmission and the contraction of all muscles including the heart. It is also essential for maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function.
• Flavonoids - twenty potent antioxidant flavonoids were identified in almond skins, some of which are catechins found in green tea, and naringenin, which is found in grapefruit.
• Almonds are concentrated in protein. A quarter-cup contains 7.62 grams-more protein than is provided by the typical egg, which contains 5.54 grams.
• Almonds are also a very good source of manganese and copper.

How to Select a good quality almonds: When buying almonds look for shells that are not split, moldy or stained. Almonds should smell sweet and nutty; if their odor is sharp or bitter, they are rancid.

Storage/ Shelf life: Store shelled almonds in a tightly sealed container, in a cool dry place away from exposure to sunlight. Keeping them cold will further protect them from rancidity and prolong their freshness. Refrigerated almonds will keep for several months, while if stored in the freezer, almonds can be kept for up to a year. Since almonds have a high fat content, it is important to store them properly to protect them from becoming rancid. Shelled almond pieces will become rancid more quickly than whole shelled almonds. Almonds still in the shell have the longest shelf life.