Almonds are one of the healthiest nuts you can get out there, and its health benefits cannot be underrated; from regulating blood sugar and cholesterol to preventing heart diseases, almonds just have a role to play.
Almonds are traditionally a native of the Middle East and south Asia, before it was spread by humans in ancient times along the shores of the Mediterranean, Northern Africa, Eastern Europe and the United States.
Almond production is high in California, U.S.A, and other countries that have high almond production include Spain, Iran, Italy, Morocco, Syria, Afghanistan, Turkey, Tunisia and Algeria.
Back to its health benefits; almonds are termed nutritional and beneficial to the health for the following:
1. PROMOTES HEALTHY WEIGHT
Almonds are researched to have a healthy amount of fatty acid and compounds that work to suppress appetite by possibly promoting hormones that would give a feeling of fullness. Research has shown that almonds do not promote weight gain but rather they aid weight loss; so if you are looking for foods that would help you in this aspect, almonds would be a good option.
2. THEY REDUCE THE LEVELS OF HARMFUL CHOLESTEROL
Almonds are a good source of phytosterols and are rich in vitamins, monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. The phytosterols in almonds play a huge role in decreasing the level of harmful cholesterol in our body by decreasing the amount of cholesterol obtained from other foods through the gastrointestinal tract.
3. THEY PROTECT THE ARTERY WALLS
Research has found that the vitamins and flavonoids in almonds help protect the artery wall.
4. REDUCE RISK OF CANCER
Research has also shown that almonds reduce the risk of cancer. The phytochemicals in almonds have been found to reduce the risk of cancer.
5. REDUCE RISK OF HEART DISEASE
A study published in the journal BMC Medicine concluded that people who regularly eat nuts are at a lower risk of death from cancer and cardiovascular disease. Also, according to Loma Linda School of Public Health, those who consume nuts five times a week have about a 50 percent reduction in risk of heart attack. Almonds have also been found to regulate increase in blood sugar levels.
6. THEY HELP BUILD STRONG BONES AND TEETH
Almonds are a good source of phosphorus and they help in the bone health as well healthy teeth.
7. THEY BOOST THE BRAIN FUNCTION
Almonds have also been found to boost brain function as well as increase high intellectual activity. Almonds contain riboflavin and L-carnitine, and these nutrients help in boosting brain function.
Regular almonds consumption also reduces the risk of developing gallstones in both men and postmenopausal women.
S.O.Z