Almonds/Badaam Unimaginable Nutrition & Health Benefits

Almond is a seed from the fruit of the almond tree, not a nut. It classified under the dry fruits. They are original to the Middle East, India and North Africa. Actually almond is pits of fruits which come from after broken of fruits. This is the richest nutrient dry fruit because its seed is necessary for growing a new plant of almonds tree. 

Almonds may be a small food but package of almost all nutrients. They contain a number of vital vitamins and minerals–as well as healthy fats. 

Almond has many amazing health benefits include lowering blood pressure, controlling blood sugar and cholesterol levels and alleviating constipation, respiratory disorders and anemia. Almonds are also great for hair, skin and dental care. 

Botanical Name: Prunus dulcis  

The almond is native to Iran and surrounding countries as well as Central Asia. It was circulation by humans in ancient times along the shores of the Mediterranean into northern Africa and southern Europe and more recently transported to other parts of the world, notably California, United States, etc. Almonds are thought to have begun in western Asia and North Africa. 

Two types of almonds can be distinguished, those with a soft shell, mainly produced in California and those with a hard shell, like the Spanish varieties Marcona and Desmayo or many of the produced in Portugal.

Almonds are a rich source of many nutrients which help in the development and health of the human brain especially vitamins. So because of highly nutritious, it can be considered as a good brain developer for children.

Almonds contain two vital brain nutrients, riboflavin and L-carnitine which are helpful in increased brain activity and the resulting development of new neural pathways and a decreased occurrence of brain diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss, low concentration, delirium, etc. 

Overnight water soaked almonds taken in the morning can boost memory power and also gives prevention against the brain or nervous disease.

MAIN THING: An almond, as well as almond oil, is nutritive to the overall health and good functioning of the nervous system.

The mono-unsaturated fats, protein and potassium contained in almonds are excellent potential to prevent heart disease. The presence of magnesium in almonds may help in reducing the risk of heart attacks. 

Vitamin E is present in almonds which have an effective antioxidant; it can help to reduce the risk of heart diseases. Flavonoids and vitamin E work in synergy and reduces the risk of artery wall damage and give prevention against the formation of plaque and heart disease. 

Almonds contain also work on C-reactive proteins (CRP). They help to reduce the presence and impact of CRP which causes artery-damaging inflammation. They are also a great source of folic acid and folic acid helps to reduce the level of homocysteine, which aggravates fatty plaque build-up in arteries and increases the risk of atherosclerosis.

MAIN THING: Regular consumption of almonds helps to increase the high-density lipoproteins HDL, it significantly reduced the risk factors for coronary heart disease, blood pressure and cardio metabolic dysfunction.

Almonds have antioxidants like vitamin E that affect all major diseases, including cancer and heart diseases. Almonds are also great sources of alkali materials and strengthen the immune system, as well as increase the ability to cut off the risk of diseases and various health conditions. 

Vitamin E present in almonds which is a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin E search out damaging free radicals in the body and helps to eliminate them because of Free radicals promote chronic diseases and can be dangerous to the body’s organs. 

Almonds and almond oil have many properties including anti-inflammatory, immunity-boosting and anti-hepatotoxicity effects.

MAIN THING: Almond contain anti-oxidants which help lower the risk of heart as well as other diseases.

Magnesium can be found in high levels within almonds. Magnesium plays a key role in the metabolism of carbohydrates and can help the body maintain balanced levels of blood sugar. So, the intake of magnesium improves insulin sensitivity. If low presence in the level of magnesium leads to the defect in the secretion of insulin and also reduces the sensitivity of insulin. 

There are huge amounts of antioxidants in almonds in the form of vitamin C and A. The consumption of almonds in the daily morning may help in flushing out the free radicals from the body that otherwise causes damage to the skin cells.

MAIN THING: Presence of Magnesium in almond help to maintain blood sugar level.

Almonds have a high density of nutrients, combined with dietary fiber, which is perfect for people trying to lose weight. Dietary fibers of almonds are functioned as "bulking agents" in the digestive system and increase satiety and reduce appetite and making people feel fuller for longer and so lowering overall calorie intake which are helpful in reducing obesity. 

MAIN THING: Almonds have low calorie and the mono-unsaturated fat contained in that satisfies the appetite and prevents overeating.

Allergies: if any person has an allergy to almond it can produce symptoms like stomach pain or cramps, nausea and vomiting, problems swallowing, diarrhea, itching, shortness of breath, etc. So it is important to avoid any food products that may contain almonds. 

Stone formation: Almonds contain oxalates and excessive oxalates can cause crystallization, which can produce kidney or gallbladder stone. 

First look for raw, roasted, or blanched almonds. If they are raw or roast, the almonds will have their skins. If they are blanched they will be without skins. Raw and blanched almonds are sold in a variety of ways. 

If chosen raw or roasted almonds don't be afraid of the skin. Although the skin can sometimes be bitter so try the nut first before removing the outer brown covering. 

Keep almonds in an airtight container so the oil does not go rancid. Almonds keep best in a dark, cool environment such as refrigerator, where they can stay good for up to two years. If we want them to last up to four years, freeze them in airtight containers.