Written By Sam Henselijn
While most types of nuts are healthy additions to any diet, some offer more health benefits than others. Almonds provide a lot of benefits. Almonds are a great choice for better control of diabetes and improved cognition. It also may helps with gut health, weight control, and skin care. The almond has become so popular that it now has its very own day of honor, National Almond Day, on February 16. Happy National Almond Day!
Originally from central and southwest Asia, almonds became a staple food that helped sustain nomadic tribes. By 4,000 B.C. people were cultivating almond trees, which blossomed well in the lands surrounding the Mediterranean Sea.
Today, 80 percent of the world’s almonds are grown in California. Spain is the second largest producer. All the other Mediterranean countries mentioned still cultivate almonds but have a lesser role in the international almond trade.
Reasons to Celebrate National Almond Day
As one of the most nutritious and versatile nut foods, there’s plenty of reasons and ways to celebrate National Almond Day. Let’s begin with acknowledging the health benefits of eating almonds:
1. Intestinal Health
Almonds help maintain beneficial bacteria within the intestines. Microbiological research on people who ate as little as 2 oz. of almonds daily found increases in both lactobacillus and bifidobacterium. These bacteria help to prevent several serious intestinal diseases.
2. Lower LDL Cholesterol
Almonds contain loads of monounsaturated fat, known to lower
LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. This in turn, helps to lower the risk of heart disease. When a person substitutes almonds for other fatty foods, the risk of developing heart disease can be decreased by up to thirty percent.
Almonds also contain a high amount of potassium, which helps clear cholesterol from the cardiovascular system, which is important for heart health.
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A great source of antioxidants.
These are substances that protect the cells of the body from the harmful effects of free radicals. Free radicals cause oxidative stress which in turn may lead to the development of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cataracts, and diabetes. The antioxidants present in almonds help in reducing the risk of such diseases.
4. Skin Health and Vitamin E
As mentioned above, almonds contain a high amount of antioxidants; also Vitamin E. Vitamin E is very important for skin health. It helps to fight off any free radicals that can cause damage to the dermis. These free radicals can lead to premature aging of the skin as well as skin cancer.
Vitamin E is also an important anti-inflammatory. This means that consuming high amounts of vitamin E can also help to prevent skin issues that are related to inflammation. Eating almonds regularly can help to eliminate many skin-related issues.
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Controlling Blood Pressure
Increased blood pressure is among the leading causes of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. A low level of magnesium in the body is associated with high blood pressure even if you are not overweight.
The high amount of antioxidants and magnesium present in almonds have shown to be effective in decreasing blood pressure. They reduce blood pressure by preventing the blood vessels from constricting, improving free blood flow.
6. Regulate Blood Sugar
In people who are healthy, eating almonds can actually help regulate blood sugar levels. Almonds have a low glycemic index, which is used to measure a person’s blood sugar levels. When consuming almonds it can help to maintain a healthy blood sugar level within the body.
7. Cognitive Support
Almonds contain riboflavin and L-Carnitine. Both of these nutrients are important for maintaining cognitive function. They can help to reduce inflammation that may cause diseases of the brain such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Almonds also stimulate acetylcholine production. A deficiency of acetylcholine can cause brain fog where thinking can become confused or unclear. In addition, it can cause headaches and may even cause cognitive decline. Acetylcholine is also important for maintaining memory. Eating almonds can help to ensure that the body is producing enough acetylcholine.
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Weight Loss
Research has shown that people who are overweight can benefit
from eating almonds. When almonds are part of the diet, the healthy nutrients provided by almonds along with the monounsaturated fats, and fiber, can help a person lose weight more rapidly.
9. Energy Production
When it comes to eating almonds and energy, there are three nutrients that are found in almonds that are efficient at helping the body produce energy. These nutrients are riboflavin, copper, and manganese.
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Gallstones
Gallstones are formed in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is located just below the liver and gallstones form when an excess of bile is created. Gallstones can cause a large amount of pain and if they become large can be quite difficult to pass. There is evidence that people who eat almonds on a regular basis lower their risk of developing gallstones by about 25 percent.
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Protein
Protein is the building block of muscles, and it is also important for maintaining both energy and strength. Almonds provide the body with a good amount of protein per serving. Eat half of a cup of almonds a day and you are well on your way to getting your protein allowance.
12. Vitamins and Nutrients
Almonds contain biotin, vitamin E, manganese, and copper. In
fact, almonds pound for pound offer the highest amount of biotin that you can find in any raw food. In addition, almonds are a good source of vitamin B2, magnesium, phosphorus, dietary fiber, and molybdenum. All of these vitamins and minerals are important for your overall health. As mentioned Vitamin E is important for skin health and can reduce inflammation. Manganese is good for the teeth and bones and each of the other vitamins play important roles in the body as well.
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Dental and Bone Health
Almonds provide a high amount of both magnesium and phosphorus. Both of these nutrients are important for the development as well as the maintenance of both the teeth and the bones. In addition, eating almonds can help the body absorb other important nutrients, such as calcium. Magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium taken in together in sufficient amounts can help to ensure that your teeth and your bones stay healthy and strong for long into your life.
To really celebrate National Almond Day, L’Orenta Nuts is the place to shop for almonds! Great selections of almonds that provide all the benefits discussed above plus a fantastic variety of flavors, colors, salted, roasted, raw, candied.
L’Orenta Delicious Almonds:
Just Almonds:
Whole Natural Almonds: sometimes, you just can’t beat a pure natural snack!
Roasted and Salted Almonds: just the right amount of salt for this savory snack!
Flavored Almonds:
Butter Toffee Almonds: a decadent combination of dry roasted almonds infused with rich and sweet toffee flavors
Chocolate Mocha Dusted Almonds:dry roasted almonds are enveloped in a deep mocha truffle coating and dusted with cocoa powder.
White Chocolate Coconut Almonds: Bringing three fan-favorite flavors together; coconuts, almonds, and white chocolate.
Almond Coconut Macaroons: roasted almonds sprinkled with macaroon and coconut flavors.
Jordan Almonds: made by coating almonds with a colored sugar shell that is polished to a high gloss.
Now, this is the way to celebrate National Almond Day!
Sam Henselijn Author’s Biography – Meet L’Orenta Nuts CEO
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