Are you adding almonds to your shopping basket regularly? If not then you might just be missing out on all the wonderful health benefits of one of nature’s super foods.
Almonds are more than just a tasty snack. A handful of raw almonds, at only 160 calories, can be an important source of nutrients and help give you energy throughout the day.
The best way to eat your almonds? Whilst admittedly very tasty toasted, if it is nutrients you are after then uncooked almonds will you give the full range of all the health benefits there are.
Nutrients in Almonds
Vitamin E
Did you know that almonds might just be the best source of use able Vitamin E around? Only one serving contains 70% of the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin E. Perhaps the most surprising thing about Vitamin E is that its main function in the body is to act as an antioxidant.
Vitamin E is important for
- healthy skin
- healthy circulatory system
- tissue repair in the body
Calcium
There has been a fair amount of conflicting advice surrounding dairy products and calcium. But if you want to boost your calcium levels in the safest way then why not add more almonds to your diet? Almonds contain the most calcium of all the nuts. So if it is healthy bones and teeth you are after, you know which part of the super market you should be heading toward.
Protein
It is a well known fact that vegetarians and vegans need to spend more attention on their protein sources than others. But also for those of you who want to stay heart healthy, replacing the red meat in your diet with nuts could literally be a lifesaver.
That is why keeping a bag of almonds handy to snack on throughout the day may be invaluable. Containing 12% of the protein needed by your body throughout the day, these little naturally occurring ovals of goodness provide a much healthier alternative to that chocolate muffin or sugar coated enemy to your hips that you find in your nearest candy store. You’ll also get long term energy without the crash of a sugar spike.
Other Nutrients in Almonds
Disease Prevention
Scientists have been researching almonds and their ability to prevent some types of cancer and heart disease. Not only do almonds contain Vitamin E, which is an antioxidant, they can help reduce cholesterol. In addition the phytochemicals in almonds may have an effect against the growth of certain types of tumours.
Other Health Benefits of Almonds
Almonds can help
- aid weight loss
- prevent acne
- prevent skin dryness
- treat dark circles around the eyes
To sum up, almonds have many health benefits as well as being a tasty snack so be sure to add almonds to your shopping basket and experiment with ways you can add them to your food to get all the benefits of this super food.
Useful References