There are two types of Almonds, sweet and bitter. Sweet are eaten raw, while bitter ones are used to make almond oil which is used in food as well as cosmetics and medicine.
PREVENT FREE RADICAL DAMAGE
Almonds are loaded with Vitamin E, with just an ounce providing 37% of the daily requirement. Vitamin E is a group of fat soluble antioxidants and prevents oxidative stress damage to the cell membranes.
WEIGHTLOSS
Being a rich source of protein and fiber, Almonds can be a good way to shed some pounds off of your scale.
Both fiber and protein curb hunger helping you lower your calorie intake.
In a 4 week study with 137 participants, consumption of 1.5 ounces of almonds considerably lowered hunger and improved satiety.
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Almonds contain two vital nutrients known as L carnitine and riboflavin which improve brain activity and result in the development of new neural pathways and a decreases occurence of Alzheimer’s disease.
LOWERS BLOOD SUGAR
Almonds are loaded with magnesium with just 2 ounces providing half the recommended daily amount which is 150mg.
Magnesium is involved in 300 bodily processes, one of them is controlling blood sugar levels.
It has been found that 25-38% of type 2 diabetics have low magnesium levels and correcting its deficiency have considerably improved blood insulin levels as well as lower blood sugar.
Interestingly, in people without diabetes, supplementing with magnesium showed major reduction in insulin resistance.
LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE
Almonds provide an impressive source of magnesium with just 100g providing 67% of daily value. Magnesium dilates blood vessels and helps in lowering blood pressure.
Potassium on the other hand also helps people suffering from hypertension. Recent studies have shown that importance of potassium in lowering bloodpressure may be equally as effective as a low sodium diet.
COLON CANCER
Adding almonds ro your diet may help you prevent the risks of colon cancer. Fiber adds bulk to the intestinal contents and speeds its movement through the colon reducing the contact time of toxins in the stool with the colon mucosa, ultimately preventing the risk of colon cancer.