Almond (Badam), the King of Nuts is packed with protein, fiber, minerals, and vitamins and has numerous health benefits. These were domesticated almost 1000 years ago. In particular, almonds contain vitamin B2, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, iron, manganese, protein, phosphorus, calcium, and copper. It is rich in monounsaturated fats, which is a great companion to keep the heart healthy. There is no limit to its goodness. In a 50 gm serving size, there are 289 calories, 25.32g Fat, 9.87g carbohydrates and 10.6g proteins.
Promotes hair growth – Almonds are rich in omega fatty acids 3 and 6 that promote healthy and required blood flow to prop up hair growth. It makes the hair strong, shiny, soft and lustrous. Regular massage of almond oil to the scalp would guarantee the growth of shiny hair. It also delays greying of hair, prevents dandruff and hair damage.
Helps improve memory: Almonds are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin B which helps to improve human memory. Vitamin B promotes the formation and growth of brain cells and provides nourishment to the neurons thereby improving one’s memory.
Prevention of heart disease: If eaten daily, you can prevent heart disease because it contains vitamin E that protects the heart. A study found that 50% of cardiovascular diseases can be prevented if almonds are eaten 5 days a week.
Reduce bad Cholesterol: Almonds are good in monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. If you eat a handful of almonds daily, you can reduce bad cholesterol in the body and also can keep the cholesterol levels in check.
Blood pressure: Almonds are low in sodium and high in potassium. You can eat 10 to 15 almonds during your snack time to keep your blood pressure in control.
Steady blood flow: Since magnesium is high in almonds, it can help the blood flow smoothly throughout the body. Also, it has iron content in it which increases blood cell count, thus keeping you up and running always.
Weight loss: They contain monounsaturated fats that control your appetite and make you feel full. Soaked almonds are an excellent source of antioxidants too. It resists free radical damage and prevents aging.
Bone: Almonds are rich in calcium and phosphorous which helps in preventing joint pains and strengthening bones and teeth.
Cancer: Soaked almonds contain Vitamin B17 and folic acid that are essential for fighting cancer and reducing birth defects.
Almonds are one of the most resourceful foods, which is used in every variety of food, be it milkshakes, desserts, traditional drinks, health drinks or garnishing. Today the use of almonds in beauty products has turned really high. Almonds are also used for making almond oil, almond butter, and almond syrup.
Almond milk is nutritious, low in calories, dairy-free and unsweetened milk don’t raise blood sugar. The organic almond milk contains fewer amounts of calories and hence, can be consumed by people on a diet.
Almond flour improves energy levels, promotes healthy waistlines, aids in managing blood sugar in diabetic patients and discourages cancer cell formation. It is gluten-free flour.
Almond oil is known for treating skin problems like dry skin, wrinkles, dark circles under eyes, blackheads, and pimples. The oil is the main ingredient in many massage oils. It leaves the skin soft, supple, smooth and refreshed.
Almonds if consumed in excess beyond the permissible limit, it causes nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, itching, swallowing problems, difficulty in breathing, stomach pain and toxicity in the body. If one is allergic to almonds, it is better to avoid any food products that contain them.
As per the Food and Drug Administration, daily consumption of almonds should be restricted to not more than 40 grams. So to get the full benefits of almonds, it is always better to consume them in allowable quantities.