10 Surprising Benefits of Almonds You Need to Know
Incredible research backs many health claims made about Almonds. Almonds are popular nutritious tree nuts, and despite the fact that they contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, they provide the body with some of the most essential nutrients you can ever ask for in a natural food.
Here are the facts on Almonds that confirm that they are good for your health;
Fact #1: Almonds are nutrients-loaded
Almonds are edible seeds that grow on tree plants. Though the United States is the largest producer of tree nuts, almonds are native to the Middle East.
Almonds are sold raw or roasted, but most almonds we buy in stores have their outer shells removed.
An ounce or a handful of Almonds provides 6g of Protein, 3g of fiber, 14g of mono-unsaturated fat, 37% of Vitamin E, and 20-32% of Magnesium and Manganese minerals.
The nuts also provide substantial amounts of Vitamin B2 and phosphorus. Almonds have a total of 161 calories, which makes them ideal for Weight Watchers. They also provide about 2.5g of digestible carbs.
Though Almonds contain Phytic acid, a substance that reduces the absorption of Zinc, Iron, and Calcium, such an effect is quite negligible.
Fact #2: Almonds are packed with life-saving antioxidants
Oxidative stress can cause damage to healthy cells in the body, leading to rapid aging and increasing the risks of cancers.
Antioxidants can help fight oxidative stress, especially when the brown layer of the Almond skin is consumed along with the nut.
For this reason, do not consume bleached or blanched almonds, as the skin will be removed. Instead, enjoy the benefits of almonds along with your regular, healthy meals.
Fact #3: Almonds are rich in Vitamin E, for maximum protection against damage to cell membranes
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that builds up in the body’s cell membranes to protect healthy cells from oxidative damage.
An ounce of Almonds can provide up to 38% of the needed daily dose, making nuts the largest natural supplier of the essential Vitamin.
Several studies have linked a high amount of Vitamin E to lower risks of Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and cancer.
Fact #4: Need more control over your blood sugar? Simply choose a handful of Almonds daily
Almonds are the perfect choice for diabetics because they contain low carbs, high healthy fats, fiber, and protein.
The high amount of magnesium in Almonds also makes them suitable for blood sugar control. Magnesium supplements are often recommended to diabetes patients who seem to have low magnesium levels.
Fact #5: Low your blood pressure with Almond consumption
Research has shown that sufficient amounts of Magnesium can help lower blood pressure.
High blood pressure is linked with fatal disorders such as Heart disease, kidney failure, and stroke, and a deficiency in Magnesium minerals has also been linked with such disorders.
Eating substantial amounts of almonds on a daily basis can make a huge impact on normalizing blood pressure.
Fact #6: Low your LDL (bad cholesterols) with Almonds
LDL Lipoproteins, also known as bad cholesterols, have been the major cause of heart attacks and some other diseases of the heart.
High amounts of LDL cholesterols are the primary cause of heart damage, and research has shown that consuming about 1.5 ounces or 42 grams of Almonds per day can reduce the amount of cholesterol drastically and cut the risks of developing heart diseases by as much as 45%. Almonds can also assist Weight Watchers in losing belly fat.
Fact #7: Almonds prevents the Oxidation of LDL cholesterols
Aside from the fact that Almonds reduce the levels of LDL cholesterols in the body, they also help slow down their oxidation.
The Oxidation of LDL cholesterol is a crucial process in the development of heart diseases, while Almond skin contains polyphenol antioxidants that are capable of reducing the risks of oxidation of LDL cholesterols.
The effects of polyphenol antioxidants can be boosted with the presence of Vitamin E
Fact #8: Do you want to lower your hunger cravings? Snack on Almonds every day
Those who find it difficult to control their appetite will find it difficult to control their weight. Scientific studies have revealed that Almonds are very low in carbohydrates and high in protein and fiber.
We all know that proteins are very satiating and fill the body up quickly, whereas carbs (sugary drinks, for instance) force you to crave more.
When you fill up quickly, you consume fewer calories and thus lose weight more rapidly than before.
For this reason, you should consider replacing those junk foods with Almonds as your preferred snack.
Fact #9: Shed those extra pounds of flesh by consuming Almonds on da aily basis
Almonds are known to contain some nutrients that are hard for the normal body to break down quickly; for instance, it is believed that up to 15% of carbs in nuts are not absorbed into the body, and the consumption of nuts such as Almonds can boost your metabolism quickly.
When you combine the hunger-fighting properties of Almond nuts with their ability to boost metabolism, it is quite logical to conclude that weight loss becomes less difficult to achieve.
Fact #10: Almonds increase cognitive thinking
Antioxidant-rich Almonds have been found to produce positive effects on brain activities.
The nuts provide HDL cholesterol, which is also known as “good cholesterol,” and these are quite healthy for the heart, the brain, and other vital organs, such as the liver, where fats are processed.
With more healthy fats supplied to the brain, its cognitive powers are enhanced for better functionality.
Conclusion
With all the facts highlighted above, there is no doubt that almonds are quite healthy for physical and mental wellness. However, they must be consumed in substantial amounts and on a regular basis in order to derive all these benefits.
