Health & Beauty. delivery number 41: THE ALMONDS.

Thank you for visiting my blog and Continuing with the series of properties and benefits of fruits and vegetables, today I bring you information about:

Almonds are the edible seed of the almond tree, its scientific name is Prunus dulcis and it belongs to the same family as the peach tree, that of the rosaceae. The plant is about 10 meters high and its seeds, precisely almonds, are enclosed in a woody shell that in turn is contained in a stone.

The nutritional benefits of almonds are known throughout the world and, one of the most appreciated characteristics of these fruits is the presence of monounsaturated fatty acids. Below I will show you some of its benefits for our organism.

l

Source

Laxative:

This characteristic is due to the good percentage of dietary fiber present in the fruit that helps the body prevent constipation. To accelerate the digestive process and its beneficial effects it is necessary to accompany them with plenty of water.

Energizing:

The presence of copper, manganese and riboflavin helps the body produce energy and improves the metabolic rate. In addition to being a highly nutritious food, almonds are also a very balanced food. Its use is recommended at certain times when the body needs particular energy.

In cases of pregnancy, convalescence, sports activities, excessive physical and intellectual work. This property is due in particular to the good percentage of manganese, copper and riboflavin.

Lower cholesterol:

Consuming a small amount of almonds regularly helps lower levels of bad LDL cholesterol in the blood. This characteristic is due to the presence in the seed of monounsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid and palmitoleic acid. These substances not only reduce the levels of bad LDL cholesterol but also increase the level of good HDL.

Blood pressure:

The good potassium content, along with a low sodium content, makes almonds a useful food for keeping blood pressure under control. Therefore, there are benefits to the Cardiovascular apparatus.

Protect the heart:

An important property of almonds is the role of vitamin E, which provides decisive benefits to mitigate the risk of heart attacks. Together with unsaturated fats, it helps reduce the growth of atherosclerotic plaque in the arteries.

Monounsaturated fats, together with antioxidant compounds, effectively support heart health and prevent cardiovascular disease. Adding these fruits to the diet not only reduces LDL cholesterol levels but also keeps good HDL cholesterol levels constant. In addition, these fruits have the ability to improve cardiovascular health, through the reduction of cholesterol.

Free radicals:

As I mentioned earlier, they are an excellent source of vitamin E, a powerful fat-soluble antioxidant that counteracts the activity of free radicals. Therefore, it protects the integrity of the mucous membrane and the skin's cell membrane.

Protect the brain:

Almonds contain many nutrients that help in the health and development of the brain. They also contain 2 vital nutrients for the brain, riboflavin and L-cartinine. It has been shown that these 2 compounds increase brain activity with the formation of new neuronal pathways. Its properties also include reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Protection against diabetes

The introduction of these fruits in the diet for several consecutive weeks, helps to improve glycemic parameters and reduces glycemic peaks after meals.

Against cancer:

They contain gamma-tocopherol, a powerful antioxidant that counteracts the activity of free radicals and the oxidative stress associated with tumors, reducing the possibility of developing colon and breast cancer.

Strengthens the immune system:

Almonds are a great source of alkaline compounds that are known to bring benefits to the immune system, increasing their effectiveness against attacks by pathogens.

Anti inflammatory:

Almonds contain very important fatty acids such as linoleic acid and linolenic acid. The properties of these 2 compounds are a valid aid to reduce the inflammation that could alter the cells in our body. It has the ability to reduce inflammatory markers.

Pregnancy:

Almonds contain folic acid that helps reduce the risk of birth defects in newborns. This compound also stimulates healthy cell growth and tissue formation. Its intake can also prevent neural tube defects in babies.

Energy production:

The presence of manganese, copper and riboflavin promotes energy production. When you are away from home, a handful of this dried fruit provides energy without too many calories and fats.

Source

Benefits for the skin:

The properties and benefits of this fruit for the skin are well known. Almond oil massages are often recommended for newborns. Almond milk often appears as an ingredient in some soaps, improves skin flexibility.

Vitamin E, along with other antioxidant compounds, nourishes the skin and reduces the signs of aging. Studies confirm that these fruits contain high concentrations of catechin, quercetin, kaempferol, which fights against skin cancer and other damage.

Weightloss:

To lose weight you can use almond milk without sugar. The monounsaturated fats present in these fruits increase the feeling of satiety and avoid overeating. Even the fiber has a high satiating power despite eating small amounts. Some studies have revealed that a diet low in calories and rich in almonds is useful for obese people to start losing weight.

Almonds oil

• It is ideal for skin and hair care, aromatherapy and as a basic massage oil. It is an excellent emollient, nutritious and soothing. Suitable for all skin types, combats aging and is used primarily for dry skin.
• It is useful in the case of measles or chicken pox, where its emollient effect attenuates the itching.
• It is also useful in the case of stretch marks during pregnancy or as a result of a strict diet.
• It can be used to restore the vigor and shine of dull hair. In this case it is recommended to apply almond oil on the hair for about 20 minutes, before washing the hair.

---

Due to the high energy and nutritional power, it is better not to consume more than a dozen in a day. Strictly avoid the consumption of bitters in excessive quantities, as they can be extremely toxic.

Almonds contain oxalates that, taken in excess, can lead to crystallization and create several types of problems. For this reason, people who have kidney problems and
Gallbladder should refrain from consuming them.

Bitter almonds are not suitable for human consumption. They contain a toxic substance, the amygdala, which is deactivated only with prolonged cooking. The more bitter an almond is, the more toxic it is.

I hope you like this initiative ... you can make suggestions and propose fruits and vegetables for the next delivery.

References:

Reference 1
Reference 2