Almond is a tree nut that originated in the Mediterranean region. Almond trees were once seen growing wild there and were eventually cultivated as early as 3000 BC. Even the first book of the Bible, Genesis, mentions almonds as a cherished food given as presents. The edible portion of an almond is actually a seed from a drupe, a fruit whose hull and outer shell are normally not consumed. The shells and hulls of almonds are frequently used as bedding and animal feed after the seed has been removed.
Almonds are a superfood that are loaded with vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and antioxidants. They are also among the most widely consumed tree nuts in the world, and one-eighth of a person's required daily protein intake can be found in just a handful of almonds. Moreover, Almonds can be used as a sweet or savory ingredient in meals as well as consumed raw or toasted as a snack. They can also be used as flour, oil, butter, flaked, slivered, slices, flakes, or almond milk.
Almonds are one of the top food sources in the world for vitamin E, which tends to accumulate in cell membranes and shields your body's cells from oxidative damage and helps support glowing skin. In addition, Diets rich in vitamin E have been associated to lower rates of heart disease, according to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition. Almonds also contain a very high amount of magnesium, which is a mineral involved in more than 300 biological functions, including the regulation of blood sugar. Hence, Significant improvements in metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes may result from high magnesium intake. In addition, Low magnesium levels have a direct correlation with elevated blood pressure, suggesting that almonds may be able to lower it. Fiber is also abundant in almonds, thus, consuming almonds or drinking almond milk can help keep your digestive system working and ward off constipation. Additionally, almonds can help your gut's good bacteria grow. This can aid in both food digestion and disease prevention.
Eating almonds is healthy. They offer a variety of necessary elements and can serve as a decent source of protein for those who consume only plant-based foods. They are extremely versatile, so there are numerous ways to include them in a diet. However, Almonds and almond-derived goods should not be consumed by anyone who has a nut allergy.
PDO – Ayesa Gay A. Bejerano, RND
References:
The health benefits of almonds
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/269468#benefits
9 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Almonds
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-proven-benefits-of-almonds#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2
Health Benefits of Almonds
https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-almonds
Almond I The Nutrition source
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/almonds/
All About Almonds: Nutrition, Health Benefits, and More
https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/diet/almonds-nutrition-benefits-how-eat-more/
