3. Almonds
• Almonds are packed with vitamins, minerals, protein
and fiber, and are associated with a number of health
benefits. Just a handful of almonds, approximately one
ounce, contains one-eighth of our necessary daily
protein. Almonds may be eaten on their own, raw or
toasted. They are also the ingredients of several
different dishes. Almonds are available sliced, flaked,
slivered, as a flour, oil, butter, or as almond milk.
• The health benefits of almonds have been documented
for centuries and modern research is backing up many
of the claims - there any many goods reasons why you
might want to consider including them in your diet.
4.
5. Almonds Deliver a Massive Amount
of Nutrients
• The almond is the edible seed
that grows on the tree Prunus
dulcis, more commonly called
the almond tree.
• Almonds are native to the
Middle East, but the United
States is now the world’s
largest producer.
• The almonds we buy at the
store have usually had the
shell removed, revealing the
edible nut inside.
• They are sold either raw (often
referred to as “natural”) or
roasted.
6. • A 1 ounce (28 grams, or small
handful) serving of almonds
contains (1):
• Fiber: 3.5 grams.
• Protein: 6 grams.
• Fat: 14 grams (9 of which are
monounsaturated).
• Vitamin E: 37% of the RDA.
• Manganese: 32% of the RDA.
• Magnesium: 20% of the RDA.
• They also contain a decent
amount of copper, vitamin B2
(riboflavin) and phosphorus.
7. Almonds are a fantastic source
of antioxidants.
• Antioxidants help to
protect against
oxidative stress, which
can damage molecules
in cells and contribute
to aging and diseases
like cancer .
8. Almonds Are High in Vitamin E,
• Almonds Are High in
Vitamin E, Which
Protects Your Cell
Membranes From
Damage
• Vitamin E is the name for
a group of fat soluble
antioxidants.
• These antioxidants tend
to build up in cell
membranes in the body,
protecting the cells from
oxidative damage.
9. Almonds Can Lower Cholesterol
Levels
• Having high levels of
LDL lipoproteins (the “bad”
cholesterol) in the blood is a
well-known risk factor for
heart disease.
• What you eat can have major
effects on LDL levels, and
some studies have shown
almonds to be effective.
• A 16-week study in 65 pre-
diabetic subjects found that a
diet with 20% of calories from
almonds lowered LDL
cholesterol levels by an
average of 12.4 mg/dL
10. Almonds Prevent Harmful Oxidation
of LDL Cholesterol
•
• Almonds do more than just
lower LDL levels in the
blood.
• They also protect the LDL
from oxidation, which is a
crucial step in the heart
disease process.
• The skin of almonds is rich
in polyphenol antioxidants,
which have been shown to
prevent oxidation of
cholesterol in test tubes and
animal studies
11. Almonds Are Incredibly Effective For
Weight Loss
• Nuts contain several nutrients
that are hard for the body to
break down and digest.
• About 10-15% of the calories
in nuts aren’t absorbed, and
there is some evidence that
eating nuts can boost
metabolism slightly (38).
• Combined with the hunger-
fighting properties, it makes
sense that nuts are a great
addition to an effective weight
loss diet
12. Healthier Skin
• Many people use sweet almond oil as a skin
treatment and it does indeed do wonders for
your skin tone. Importantly though, healthy
skin benefits most from good nutrition on
the inside. A handful of almonds is a great
food source of natural vitamin E for better
skin.
• Vitamin E assists in protecting the connective
elastin and collagen fibers within your skin
cells that maintain its youthful firmness. The
more collagen and elastin break down in
your skin, the more at risk you are of
developing fine lines and wrinkles on your
face.
• With their high levels of protective vitamin E,
as well as beneficial monounsaturated fats to
maintain moisture balance, eating almonds
regularly is a good step towards having
healthier skin.
13. Strong Bones
• Almonds make a great snack because
they are a good source of calcium,
magnesium and phosphorus. These
nutrients are essential for keeping
your bones and teeth healthy and
strong. Just 1 ounceof nuts contains 8
percent of your daily intake of
potassium, 20 percent of the
recommended daily intake of
magnesium and 14 percent of the
phosphorus you need. A deficiency of
these nutrients can cause
osteoporosis, while an adequate
intake prevents this degenerative
bone disease. Magnesium is
especially important for bone health
because it helps to regulate the levels
of calcium and vitamin D.
14. It contributes to muscle strength and
healing.
• Although almond milk
only contains 1 gram of
protein per serving, it
contains plenty of B
vitamins such as iron
and riboflavin, both
important for muscle
growth and healing.
15. It keeps your digestion in check.
• Almond milk contains
almost one gram of
fiber per serving, which
is important for healthy
digestion.