Almonds are known all over the world not only for their excellent taste, but above all for their extraordinary content of nutrients valuable for health. This product is often consumed by people who pay special attention to their nutrition and the appearance of their figure. In addition, it is chosen by people struggling with excessive stress on a daily basis.
What is Almond?
Almonds are almond seeds. While they are not, they are described by many as "the kings of the nuts." All this is due to the extraordinary content of vitamins and minerals valuable for health. Almonds have a sweetish, slightly buttery flavor. On the outside, they are covered with a delicate, brown crust with a bitter aftertaste. Inside, they take on an ivory color. Almonds are often used to produce flour, which is especially appreciated by people who follow the rules of a gluten-free diet. In addition, almond seeds are used in the production of a special almond paste with exceptional nutritional values.
How to eat Almonds? And can an excess of them harm us?
Due to the high energy value, excessive consumption of almonds can contribute to rapid weight gain. Therefore, it is assumed that each day we should consume no more than 40 g of almond seeds. We can eat almonds in many different ways:
- Raw, as a snack between meals with fresh fruit and natural yoghurt.
- Warm, as a tasty addition to homemade oatmeal cookies.
It is also worth remembering that almond flour can work perfectly in our kitchen, from which you can easily prepare not only tasty, but also extremely elegant macaroons. If you don't like bitterness, don't forget to peel the almonds. However, if you are a supporter of simple solutions, choose pistils or almond flakes that do not have brown skin. Almond seeds in this version are perfect as an addition to porridge or a salad full of vegetables. A day without sweets is a lost day for you? Then choose chocolate-covered almonds. Thanks to this, you will not only satisfy your craving for "something sweet", but also provide your body with a set of nutrients valuable for health.
The nutritional properties of almonds and their impact on our health?
Scientists indicate that almonds are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals essential for good health. Due to the content of Essential Fatty Acids, regularly consumed almonds (combined with a healthy diet and regular physical activity) are able to minimize the risk of developing heart disease in the future. Importantly, they are also a source of flavonoids valuable in the fight against hypertension. On the other hand, thanks to vitamin E, introducing almonds to your healthy diet contributes to lowering the level of bad cholesterol. It is also worth knowing that almond seeds can affect:
- Improving the level of insulin response;
- Improving the weight loss process;
- Increasing resistance to stress;
Pregnant and eating almonds. Will they help with nausea?
Almonds are often mentioned as one of the healthy ways to relieve nausea. Can consumption of this product really help to minimize symptoms related to the course of pregnancy? First of all, almonds are a valuable element in the diet of every pregnant woman, due to the high content of folic acid, necessary for the proper development of a child. In addition, thanks to its antacid properties, almond seeds can help alleviate the symptoms of heartburn, which often occurs in women in both the second and third trimesters.
Caloric content of almonds - who cannot eat almonds?
People with excess body weight should refrain from consuming excessive amounts of almonds (over 40g / 24h). All this is due to the high caloric value contained in them.
100 grams of the product contains as much as 623 kcal, so it is better not to overdo it. It is recommended to eat one handful of about 40 grams of almonds a day, which will provide a lot of nutrients, unsaturated fatty acids, magnesium and B vitamins while not overdoing the amount of calories provided. Interestingly, products such as almond flour or almond paste also contain a lot of calories, and these products and their amount in the diet should not be overstated.
Vitamins and minerals in almonds
Almonds are an excellent source of vitamins. They include, among others, B vitamins, such as: thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid and vitamin B6. In addition, almonds are able to provide our body with vitamin E, which is valuable for the health of our skin, and vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining proper immunity.
In addition to the fact that almonds are able to provide our body with a large dose of energy and vitamins from group B (responsible for the proper functioning of our nervous system). Almond seeds also provide the body with essential minerals, including: calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, sodium, zinc and phosphorus.