Almonds are one of the most ancient and well noted foods throughout history. Due to the multitude of different health benefits that this amazing nut is linked to, it is no wonder why its popularity has had duration from the time of the ancient Egyptians to the present times. These nuts can help with an array of conditions such as obesity, heart disease, inflammatory issues and can give the body many essential nutrients.
Important Nutrients Found in Almonds
Magnesium
Magnesium is an important nutrient that helps with blood flow in the body, 30 % of a person’s daily magnesium can be found in one cup of almonds.
Protein
Almonds are highly rich in protein and are perfect for those with diabetes, problems with blood sugars, or those on low carb diets due to the fact that there are very few carbohydrates in these nuts.
Potassium
Almonds contain potassium which is a very important electrolyte that helps with nerve function and contractions in the heart muscles.
B-17
B-17 is a controversial nutrient which may be linked to the prevention of Cancer.
Heart Disease
Almonds are believed to lower the risk of heart disease and heart attacks by simply eating a handful of these nuts a day. These nuts lower bad cholesterol in the body known as LDL cholesterol since they consist of several types of photo chemicals including campestral and beta-sisterol stigma sterols.
Weight Loss
Although almonds were once considered to be a fatting food researchers are now realizing due to the way that these nuts are digested in the body they may actually help one lose weight instead of gaining weight. By eating these nuts in small amounts the body limits the dietary fat that is ingested and return all of the calories consumed are not turned into fat and the body is more easily able to lose weight. Also, it has been found that people who eat almonds on a regular basis have lower body mass index.
Other Positive Attributes of Almonds
In ancient Chinese medicine almonds have long been believed to help with inflammatory and spasmodic issues in the body.
Almonds have long been linked to bone and brain health due to the amount of calcium that can be found in these nuts.
Almonds are believed to be high in zinc, fiber, iron, and are a good source of healthy monounsaturated fat.
Drawbacks of Almonds
Although almonds have many positive attributes they should only be eaten in moderation due to their high fat content which can lead to many dangerous health issues.
Citation:
Orwell, Mark. “Health Benefits of Almonds.” EHow. EHow. Web. 25 Apr 2010. .
Wilkinson, Fiona. “Health Benefits of Almonds.” Suite 101. Suite 101, 12 Oct 2008. Web. 25 Apr 2010. .
