Almonds Are a Powerfood – The King of Nuts Full of Health Benefits

Almonds are a powerfood that is tasty and beneficial for our health. Learn the top 9 health benefits and why to include them in your diet and why to include them in your diet.

They are my favourite nut; most mornings I add 7 to 10 soaked overnight almonds to my breakfast.

9 Health Benefits of Almonds

1. ‘Bad’ Cholesterol is Lowered:  One clinical study showed that almonds added to the diet had a favorable effect on blood cholesterol levels and that none of the study groups experienced weight gain in the study by Dr. Gene Spiller, Director of the Health Research and Studies Center, Inc.
2. Reduce Heart Attack Risk:  A study showed those who consumed nuts five times a week had a 50% reduction in risk of heart attack according to the Loma Linda School of Public Health.
3. Protects artery walls from damage:  It was found that the flavonoids in almond skins work in synergy with vitamin E thus reducing the risk of heart disease. (Research at Tufts University)
4. Build strong bones and teeth with the phosphorus in these nuts.
5. Healthy fats help in weight loss:
   Although nuts contain lots of fat frequent nut eaters are thinner on average than those who almost never consume nuts. (data from the Nurses’ Health Study)
   Those who ate nuts at least two times per week were 31% less likely to gain weight than were those who never or seldom at them in a study involving 8865 adults.
6. This nut will lower the rise in blood sugar and insulin after meals.
7. Good brain function:  They contain riboflavin and L-carnitine, nutrients that boost brain activity which may also reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
8. A nutrient for the nervous system according to Ayurveda; they help to increase high intellectual level and longevity.
9. They alkalize the body: They are the only nut and one of the few proteins that are alkaline-forming.  When your body is not alkaline enough, you risk osteoporosis, poor immune function, low energy, and weight gain.Learn more about the benefits of an alkaline body and the dangers of being too acid click here:  Balance Your Body with Acid/Alkaline Balance

Almond facts

• They are actually stone fruits related to cherries, plums, and peaches.
• 2.51 million tonnes of almonds were produced in 2010 according to the Food and Agriculture Organization.
• The United States is the largest producer of this superfood nut. Unfortunately, it also demands that they are pasteurized or irradiated. Read more at:  The Killing of California Almonds. Buy unpasteurized almonds Organic Almonds
• From ancient Egypt to modern times, almonds have always been a popular ingredient in lotions and potions.

Nutrition:

This is one very nutrient-dense food which we call a Superfood.

• Packed with protein; they are 13 percent protein.
• One ounce (or about 23 almonds) is an excellent source of vitamin E, magnesium, fibre and protein.
• Filled with minerals such as magnesium, copper.
• Filled with B vitamins.
• Provide 266mg (27% DV) of calcium per 100g serving, 367mg (37% DV) per cup.
• Full of potassium, phosphorus, and iron.
• Cholesterol-free.
• A one-ounce serving contains about the same amount of antioxidants as a serving of broccoli.
• One of the best whole food sources of vitamin E, with about one-third of the daily value per ounce.
• Heart-healthy with monounsaturated fat; one-quarter cup contains about 18 grams of fat, 11 grams is heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
• 20-25 almonds contain as much calcium as 1/4 cup of milk.

Almond History:

They are thought to have originated in western Asia and North Africa; they have been written about in many historical texts, including the Bible.

The almond tree is one of the earliest domesticated tree nuts because wild almonds produce cyanide; even eating a few dozen at one time can be fatal.

 How to Store

• Keep them in an airtight container to protect them from the air so the oil does not go rancid.
• They are best kept in a dark, cool environment such as your refrigerator for up to two years according to the Almond Board of California.
• If you want them to last up to four years, freeze them in airtight containers.

Tips for eating or cooking:

Let’s get these tasty nuts into our diet.

1. Always use them unpasteurized. Here are some you can be sure are: Organic Unpasteurized Almonds
2. Almond flour is great in gluten-free cooking and baking.
3. Green almonds are dipped in sea salt and eaten as snacks in Iran street markets.
4. Eat them with the skin as it contains more than 20 antioxidant flavanoids.
5. Almond oil is good for cooking at high temperatures; it has a high smoke point. It is best to use refined almond oil for its high smoke point. This is one I use: Spectrum Naturals Refined Almond Oil 16 Ounce
6. Nourishing for your skin and hair: rub a little cold-pressed Sweet Almond Oil onto the skin to moisturize it.

   

7. How to get the nutrition from almonds: They can be difficult to digest and may stress your pancreas. Like all nuts, they contain phytate which makes them difficult to digest. To get maximum nutrition it is best to soak them before they are eaten or roast them. They are one of only a few nuts that will actually sprout when soaked. When you soak them it neutralizes the phytate allowing the nutrients from the nut to be released. Watch a video explaining more about sprouting nuts and seeds here:  Sprouting Nuts and Seeds video.

Recipes with Almonds

Make Almond Milk With This Recipe with its mild flavour and light colour is a very good alternative for those that need to be dairy-free, soy-free, and for vegans.

I love my homemade almond milk and it is healthier than what you can buy.  You can easily learn how to make almond milk at home and use all natural healthy ingredients, and no sugar.

 Creamy Swiss Chard Soup with Almonds is Delicious – This delicious Swiss chard soup is hearty with the addition of potatoes and is very nutritious too. I love that it is so creamy without the addition of cow’s milk. The crunchy almonds on top add an extra tastiness. It is a whole vegan meal in a bowl too.

  Crunchy Vegetables with Almonds and Savory Spices Recipe – A meal of crunchy vegetables with almonds is so tasty that I could eat it at least once a week. The spices in this delicious meal are very much like the ones used in curries but without the cayenne pepper. I don’t like hot spicy food so I leave it out.

 Delicious Green Beans with Almonds– Green beans with golden almonds are a very tasty dish and simple to make too.

Learn How to Cook and Bake with Almonds

Almonds are so good for us that I use them in all my Healthy Diets and Detoxes.

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