Almonds - properties and nutritional value of almonds

Almonds should be included in the mother's diet. Not only because of the content of folic acid, which is essential for a child's development. Almonds are also a remedy for nausea in pregnancy, and it is common in the second and third trimesters of heartburn. Almonds neutralize stomach acids and thus soothe the annoying burning sensation.

Almonds and slimming

Almonds, despite the fact that they contain a lot of fat and are caloric, promote weight loss. The EFAs contained in them regulate metabolism and prevent the accumulation of unnecessary fatty tissue. In addition, almonds contain a lot of fiber (12.5 g / 100 g), which fills the stomach quickly and for a long time, making you feel full. Of course, almonds will give the desired effect if eaten in moderation, preferably just a handful a few times a week, instead of other foods (and not as an extra snack). If consumed in excess, they can contribute not only to weight gain, but also to constipation (due to the high fat content).

In addition, long chewing two or three almonds is a proven way of dealing with hunger pangs.

Buy almondsin packages, and not those by weight, to be able to check that they are not past their expiry date. In addition, almonds sold by weight very quickly oxidize EFAs, as a result of which the nuts lose their he alth properties - this is another argument for buying packed nuts.

Do not subject the almonds to heat treatment (cooking, baking or roasting). At high temperatures, the essential fatty acids they contain lose their he alth-promoting properties.

Watch out for mold in the almonds, which can cause serious digestive ailments. So if the almonds have a moldy, musty, or other nonspecific taste, you better not eat them.

Almonds for nerves and stress

Almonds contain a lot of magnesium, B vitamins (especially niacin, i.e. vitamin B3) and EFAs, thanks to which they support the work of the nervous system, improve memory and concentration, and also have an antidepressant effect. Therefore, they should be reached by people exposed to constant stress, who are in a state of mental exhaustion.

Almonds for vegetarians and athletes

Almonds are the second (after peanuts) and the richest source of protein among nuts. Even more than some legumes, such as white beans, contain it. Therefore, they should be included in the diet of vegetarians. In addition, almonds are characterized by a high content of arginine - an amino acid that improves muscle performance, which is why athletes can also use almonds.

Almonds for diseases of the urinary and respiratory systems

Modern phytotherapy recommends the use of almonds in diseases of the urinary system (including kidney stones and narrowing of the urethra), in diseases of the biliary tract and as an expectorant in bronchial diseases, as well as in hoarseness and dry cough.

Almonds for brittle nails

Almonds should be included in the diet for strong hair and nails, because they are a treasury of B vitamins, the deficiency of which contributes to nail brittleness and deformation of the nail plate. B vitamins also stimulate the growth of nails and hair.

But most importantly, almonds are a treasury of vitamin E, called the "vitamin of youth", which protects against the harmful effects of free radicals and delays the aging process of the skin.

Almonds - use in the kitchen

Crushed almonds can be sprinkled with ice cream or roasted pears or apples. On the other hand, ground ones can be used as a component of crumble for dough. Ground almonds can also be mixed with powdered sugar and protein to make marzipan. In turn, in the form of thin petals, they will checkas decorations for cakes or cakes.

However, these sweet nuts go well not only with desserts. They also perfectly match salads, and when served with chicken, they give it an exotic note. You should also be tempted by a little culinary experiment and combine almonds with cauliflower and cheese. In addition, flaked almonds are perfect as a coating for fish.

Almonds are also an ingredient of the procession - a sweet cooling drink, usually made of almonds, as well as sugar and rose or orange flower water.

It is worth knowing that almond milk, i.e. almonds blended with water, can be a substitute for traditional milk (especially in a dairy-free and soy-free diet). In turn, almond flour (i.e. ground almonds), characterized by a delicate, sweet taste, can be an alternative to traditional flour for baking cakes and bread, as well as for thickening soups and sauces.

Recipe for chocolate cookies with caramel almonds

Source: x-news.pl/Dzień Dobry TVN

Almonds - use in cosmetics

Sweet nuts are used to produce almond oil with a moisturizing and regenerating effect, therefore it is recommended for the care of dry and sensitive skin. In turn, bitter almonds are used to obtain mandelic acid, which is one of the most valuable AHA acids, which is used during aesthetic medicine treatments. Almond acid peeling is used in the treatment of acne, photoaging or removing discoloration, because it has antibacterial, discoloring and anti-aging properties.

Almonds reduce the risk of developing heart disease

This is according to research conducted by scientists from Aston University in Great Britain. In their young men with obesity and hypertension (i.e. risk factors for the development of heart disease), who consumed 50 g of almonds daily for a month, an increase in the level of vitamin E in the blood was noted, as well as a decrease in blood pressure and an improvement in blood circulation (compared to control group). All thanks to the beneficial substances contained in almonds, such as vitamin E, essential fatty acids, fiber and flavonoids.

Vitamin E makes it difficult for "bad" LDL cholesterol to stay in the vascular walls, EFAs have anticoagulant properties and lower the level of bad cholesterol in the blood, just like fiber. Flavonoids, on the other hand, have antioxidant properties, i.e. they inhibit the oxidation of LDL cholesterol by free radicals, and prevent the clumping of platelets, and thus the formation of blood clots. In addition, flavonoids regulate tensionthe walls of blood vessels and the degree of contraction of small vessels, and thus contribute to the proper regulation of arterial pressure - similarly to the potassium contained in large amounts in almonds (as much as 733 mg / 100 g).

It is worth knowing that almonds are recommended by the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, i.e. a diet for the treatment and prevention of hypertension, recommended by the American National Institutes of He alth and the American Heart Association.