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Almond - Natural Benefits and Curative Properties

Botanical Name :: Prunusamygdalus

Indian Name :: Badam

Description of Almond

The almond, known as the king of nuts, is a highly nutritious food. It is rich in almost all the elements needed by the Body. It is an effective health-building food, both for the body and mind, and a valuable food remedy for several common ailments.

There are two varieties of almonds, the sweet and the bitter. There are thin-skinned and thick-skinned among the sweet variety. The thin-skinned, known as Kagzi in vernacular, is the best for use. The bitter variety of almonds should not be used as they contain prussic acid, a deadly poison. They have, however, some commercial importance and are used for producing almond oil, perfume and cosmetics.

Almond is a native of Morocco. It has been cultivated from ancient times. The Romans called it the 'Greek nut'. It was grown in Syria and Palestine during the days of the Bible. It is now grown in several parts of the subtropical regions, especially in Morocco, Italy, France, Portugal, California and Australia. It is also cultivated in Southern Africa and many parts of Asia.

Its cultivation in India is mostly confined to Kashmir and some areas of Himachal Pradesh which border Tibet.

Food Value of Almond

Almonds are one of the best nut and seed foods. The best way of using almonds is to soak them in water and grind them into fine paste of the blanched almonds i.e., after peeling of the skin. This paste is called almond butter. It is easily assimilated and is preferred to dairy butter by many vegetarians. This butter is of special value to older people who are generally bothered with the problem of not getting enough protein in their diets. By taking almond butter, they will be able to get not only high quality protein but also other excellent food ingredients, contained in the almond, in the most easily digestible form.

Almonds*

The most useful preparation of almonds is the almond milk. It can be easily prepared by grinding the blanched almonds -i.e. almonds without outer coat to a smooth paste and adding cold boiled water to the consistency of the milk. With the addition of little sugar, it makes a delicious and nutritious drink. One kilogram of. milk may be obtained from 250 grams of almonds. The almond milk can be converted into curd and butter as in case of ordinary milk.

The almond milk is rich in vitamins. It possesses certain advantages over the ordinary milk. It is more. easily digestible than the cow's milk and is useful for the children with whom the cow's milk does not agree.

Natural Benefits and Curative Properties of Almond

The medicinal virtues of almonds arise chiefly from pharmaco dynamic action of copper, iron, phosphorus and vitamin B,. These chemicals exert a synergic action - i.e. increased energy due to chemical interaction and help the formation of new blood cells, hemoglobin and playa major role in maintaining the smooth physiological functions of brain, nerves, bones, heart and liver. The almond is thus highly beneficial in preserving the vitality of the brain, in strengthening the muscles and in prolonging life. It forms a vital part of all tonic preparation in Ayurveda and Unani Medicines.

Paste of almonds with milk cream and fresh rose bud's paste applied daily over the face is a very effective beauty aid. It softens and bleaches the skin and nourishes it with the choicest skin­food. Its regular application prevents early appearance of wrinkles, black heads, dryness of the skin, pimples and keeps the face fresh.

A teaspoonful of almond oil mixed with a teaspoonful of amla juice, massaged over scalp, is a valuable remedy for falling hair, thinness of hair, dandruff and premature graying of hair. Almonds should be consumed properly for beneficial results. The skin of almonds should always be removed before use as it contains irritating properties. This can bedooe by soaking them in water for one or two hours.

Almonds should be thoroughly chewed and they should not be eaten immediately after meals. They are a very concentrated food, with high calorific value. They should, therefore, be mostly used with bulky vegetables and fruits like raw turnips, lettuce, cucumbers and apple.

• Anemia :- Almonds contain copper in organic form at the rate of 1.15 mg. per 100 grams. The copper along with iron and vitamins, acts as a catalyst. in the synthesis of blood hemoglobin. Almonds are, therefore, a useful foo6. remedy for anemia.
• Constipation :- The use of almonds has proved highly beneficial in the treatment of chronic constipation. It is an excellent laxative. 11 to 15 kernels. taken at bed time will facilitate a clear motion the next morning. Those who suffer from weak stomach can take seven grams of almond oil with hot milk.
• Impotency :- Almonds are very useful in case of loss of sexual energy which usually results from nervous debility and brain weakness. Their regular use will strengthen sexual power. Chewing of equal quantity of almond kernels and roasted gram also help in restoring sexual vigor.
• Skin Disorders :- Wild almonds are considered useful in skin diseases, especially eczema. For this purpose, a few leaves of the wild almond are pulverized with water and the cream so prepared is applied to the affected parts. Almonds are also beneficial in the treatment of pimples. In this condition, the endocarp which is hard cover of the seed, should be ground with water and applied over the affected parts. In case of inflammatory condition of the skin, the external application of almond oil will ease the pain and cool the heat.
• Respiratory Diseases:- An emulsion of almonds is useful in bronchial diseases, hoarseness and tickling cough. It is prepared by pounding the nuts and mixing the powdered kernels with orange or lemon juice. A teaspoonful of the oil given with 10 drops each of fresh white onion juice and ginger juice, daily thrice for a fortnight, is useful in whooping cough, bronchitis and asthma.