Nutritional Powerhouse
Considered one of the most favorite nuts, almonds are a great nutrient resource for everyone aiming for a better and healthier life. Not only do they provide essential minerals, but they also reduce the risk of heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and many other ailments. Just a handful of almonds — approximately 1 ounce — contains one-eighth of a person’s daily protein needs. Almonds are rich in antioxidants and vitamin E. This superfood is actually a seed of a fruit. These protein-packed nuts offer the following benefits:
1. Aids in Weight Loss
Almonds aids in weight loss as they are full of protein. Protein keeps us fuller for a longer duration of time and also maintains healthy development of muscles, which in turn are the best to lose weight by increasing our metabolism.
2. Controls Bad Cholesterol
Controls the bad cholestrol as they are high in fats but unsaturated fats.This type of fat does not increase the risk of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol.In addition, almonds contain no cholesterol.According to some researchers, vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help stop the oxidization process that causes cholesterol to clog the arteries. They advised people to consume around 45 grams (g) a day of almonds to protect heart health.
3. Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
Almonds lower the blood sugar levels.One ounce of almonds provides 76.5 mg of magnesium, or between 18% and 24% of an adult’s daily requirement.Many people with type 2 diabetes have low magnesium levels.Scientists have suggested there may be a link between magnesium deficiency and insulin resistance.
4. Slows Down the Aging Process
Almonds contain relatively high levels of vitamin E. Vitamin E contains antioxidants, such as tocopherol. One ounce (28.4 g) of plain almonds provides 7.27 milligrams (mg) of vitamin E, which is around half a person’s daily requirement.
5. Strengthens Brain Cells
Almonds support brain development and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease due to their high vitamin E content and other essential nutrients.
6. Reduces Cancer Risk
Almonds are also said to keep the cancer away. Some researchers identified a two to three times lower risk of breast cancer among individuals who consumed higher quantities of peanuts, walnuts, and almonds, compared with those who did not. The researchers concluded that “peanuts, walnuts, and almonds appear to be a protective factor for the development of breast cancer.”
7. Strengthens Bones
They are rich in manganese which helps strengthening bones.
8. Improves Skin Tone
Turmeric added to Almond milk is said to improve the skin tone due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
9. Supports Joint Health and Sleep
Almond oil message is great for joints and good night sleep. Almonds contain calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, vitamin K, protein, and zinc, all of which contribute to bone health. Almond oil added to milk helps in curing insomnia and improves the immune system of especially the kids(after the age of 2)
10. Good for Heart Health
Good for heart as Almonds, along with other nuts and seeds, may help improve lipid, or fat, levels in the blood. In a study from 2014, scientists found that almonds significantly increased the levels of antioxidants in the bloodstream, reduced blood pressure, and improved blood flow. The participants were all healthy males from 20–70 years of age who took 50 g of almonds per day for 4 weeks.
All in all, almonds are a superfood that can potentially enhance our health and are thus the best choice of grandma’s for its benefits.