Almonds for life – The Almond or Badam is a species of tree native to the Middle East. Almond is also the name of the edible and widely cultivated seed of this tree. The fruit of the almond is not a true nut, but a drupe, which consists of an outer hull and a hard shell with the seed (nut) inside. Shelling almonds refers to removing the shell to reveal the seed. Almonds are commonly sold shelled, i.e. after the shells are removed, or unshelled, i.e. with the shells still attached. Health Benefits of Almonds and Calories Almonds given below -
Almonds are a rich source of vitamin E, containing 24 mg per 100 g. They are also rich in monounsaturated fat, one of the two “good” fats responsible for lowering LDL cholesterol.Claimed health benefits of almonds include improved complexion, improved movement of food through the colon (feces) and the prevention of cancer. Inclusion of almonds in the diet with elevating the blood levels of high density lipoproteins and of lowering the levels of low density lipoproteins.
In Ayurveda, an ancient system of health care that is native to the Indian subcontinent, almond is considered a nutritive for the brain and nervous system. It is said to induce high intellectual level and longevity. Almond or Badam oil is considered a nutritive aphrodisiac both for massage and internal consumption. Recent studies have shown that the constituents of almond have anti-inflammatory, immunity boosting, and anti-hepatotoxicity effects.
Almond also have good amounts of magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, fibre and are a good source of healthy monounsaturated fat. Almond contain more calcium than any other nut which makes them great for vegetarians who do not eat any dairy products.
Almonds also contribute to a healthy heart with handful of almonds a day helps reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering bad blood cholesterol by as much as ten percent.
