TOalmonds benefits and contraindications Almonds have long been prized as one of mankind’s favorite tree nuts. They were once popular in ancient Egyptian diets and among indigenous populations. Ancient Ayurvedic practitioners in India even believed that almonds had the ability to increase brain power, longevity, and brainpower.
Today, the nutritional value and health benefits of almonds are praised around the world, and they are used in a variety of ways: eaten raw as a snack; as the main ingredient in almond butter, almond flour (this flour has really surprising contraindications that many are not aware of and which we will mention later) or almond milk; and even in numerous fragrances and body lotions.
The almonds they are the fruit seeds harvested from the almond tree, and are native to India, the Middle East and North Africa. The taste of almonds varies from bitter to sweet and both can be easily found in the market.
They are highly nutritional and a great source of calcium, Vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorus and iron. Almonds also contain other minerals, such as selenium, zinc, niacin, and copper. Compared to all other nuts, almonds are denser in beneficial components and nutrients. Let us see, next, what is related to the almonds benefits and contraindications
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Benefits of the almonds to health
Prevents heart attacks and heart disease Two of the key nutritional chemicals in almonds are antioxidants and “good” monounsaturated fatty acids, which support heart health and prevent the development of various cardiovascular symptoms. Almonds, in particular, provide flavonoids antioxidantsplant elements present in the almond skin that work in combination with vitamin R to reduce inflammation and improve the health of the arteries.
Almond nutrition also includes key nutrients to support heart health, including copper, arginine, calcium, manganese, potassium, and magnesium. Research suggests that almonds have a consistent «bad» effect of lowering LDL cholesterol, specifically in people with diabetes and high cholesterol.
It helps prevent damage from occurring within the walls of the arteries and protects them against the harmful buildup of plaque. The nutritional benefits of almonds also make them a perfect food for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and cholesterolin addition to fighting obesity and weight gain, three of the main risk factors related to stroke and heart attack.
Improves bone health He matchone of the many minerals it contains, can have a significant impact on the durability and strength of teeth and bones, while also preventing the onset of age-related problems such as osteoporosis.
Skin care The presence of vitamin E and other beneficial minerals make almond oil an excellent choice for skin care. Almond oil massages are generally recommended for newborn babies, while almond milk is often added to some soaps due to its complexion-improving abilities.
Increases energy production The copper, riboflavin and manganese present in almonds help in metabolic rate and energy production. If you’re pressed for time, just grab a handful of almonds and you’re good to go.
prevents cancer Almonds improve the movement of food through the colon, thus avoiding any waste and consequent colon cancer. The National Cancer Center has conducted extensive research into the connection between diets rich in fiber and a lower risk of colon cancer.
Weightloss Unsweetened almonds are a great option to use if you are trying to lose weight. Almonds contain a lot of monosaturated fat, which is what satisfies your hunger pangs, helping you not to overeat no matter what. The dietary fiber in almonds also makes you feel full for long periods of time, despite consuming only a small amount. Research suggests that a low-calorie, almond-rich diet is excellent for obese people, as it helps them shed excess weight faster.
Studies confirm that people who eat almonds regularly (at least twice a week) are much more likely to maintain their ideal weight, compared to those who never or rarely eat almonds and experience weight fluctuations.
Helps control blood sugar levels Almonds are low in carbs, but are high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. This makes them an ideal choice for diabetics. Magnesium is a mineral involved in more than 300 bodily functions, including blood sugar control. The recommended daily intake for magnesium is 310 to 420 milligrams. Two ounces of almonds offer around 50% of that, which is around 150mg of this crucial mineral.
prevents constipation Since they are full of fiber, almonds help prevent constipation. To speed up the digestive process, it is better to drink plenty of water when consuming almonds.
Improves brain health They are an excellent source of a variety of nutrients that aid in the growth and health of the human brain. They have been linked to a higher intellectual level and have long been viewed as a key food item for growing children. L-carnitine and riboflavin are two essential brain nutrients found in almonds that have been shown to stimulate brain activity and also reduce the occurrence of Alzheimer’s.
Supply the body with much-needed antioxidants They are a great source of antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect the body against digestive stress, which can damage molecules in cells and also accelerate aging and health problems such as cancer. The concentration of antioxidants is largely found in the almond skin, so make sure you choose the ones with the intact skin rather than the bleached ones.
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Contraindications and side effects of almonds
C.contraindications of almonds drug interaction Almonds are high in manganese, a mineral that helps our bodies with metabolism, nerve function, regulates blood sugar, and produces connective tissue and calcium absorption. However, if consumed in excess it can interfere with the absorption of certain medications, such as high blood pressure medications, antibiotics, and antacids.
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Gastrointestinal disorders Almonds are rich in fiber, if you consume many almonds a day it can cause bloating, diarrhea, flatulence and abdominal cramps. Therefore, it is recommended to drink enough water or fluids when eating a significant amount of almonds to avoid gastrointestinal upset.
Vitamin E overdose Almonds contain a large amount of vitamin E, as much as 7.4 mg per ounce. Eating almonds allows you to get antioxidant protection in the form of vitamin E. However, if you consume a diet rich in vitamin E such as eggs, whole grains, fortified cereals, spinach and also eat too many almonds, it can cause an overdose of vitamin E and lead to side effects like headache and blurred vision.
possible allergy Eating any food in excess can sometimes cause an allergic reaction. If you are eating too many almonds, your immune system may possibly develop an allergic reaction. So eat almonds in moderation.
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Almond flour contraindications
Almonds are very high in calories Blanched almond flour contains approximately 650 calories per cup. This is 50% or more calories per cup than many other flours, such as wheat. If you thought that eating grain-based flours was fattening, perhaps you hadn’t considered that a nut-based flour like almonds is even more fattening.
Eating one serving of whole almonds is about 23 whole nuts. This is about a handful (1 ounce). Eating a serving of almond flour easily doubles this. It’s common for almond-based grain-free recipes to call for 1 ½ cups of almond flour or more, adding up to a whopping 135 nuts. This amount of nut flour can make as little as two to three servings. That’s over 40 almonds in one serving!
In short, eating even a few meals a week where almond flour is substituted for more traditional flours can quickly add up in calories.
The best nutrients in the almond are destroyed in the process to convert the flour In the case of whole foods like almonds, processing can be as simple as removing the outer shell of the almond, exposing its contents to heat, light, and oxygen, and grinding them to make almond flour.
Those contents that are exposed and ground up are actually fats and antioxidants that give almonds all their nutritional qualities. After such rigorous processing, those fats and antioxidants have lost their effectiveness and nutritional value as they cannot prevent oxidation and actually turn into free radicals.
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