Beneficial properties of almonds for humans. Almonds - benefits and harms

Almonds are not a nut, as some people think, but an edible seed from the almond tree. It is located inside a hard bone. This explains the nutritional properties of almonds, since they contain elements important for the growth of a new tree.

Almonds are roasted or eaten raw. The fried product acquires pleasant aroma and rich taste. However, only raw seeds retain all the beneficial substances.

Almonds are used to produce butter, milk, flour and paste. It is added to desserts, salads and used as a seasoning for meat dishes.

Composition and calorie content of almonds

Almonds are rich in vitamins and minerals. It contains folic acid and a lot.

The composition of almonds as a percentage of a person's daily requirement is presented below.

Calorie content of almonds – 575 kcal per 100 g.

Almonds strengthen the heart and bones and also control blood sugar levels. It increases learning ability and reduces oxidative stress in the body.

For the bones

Phosphorus in almonds makes bones and teeth stronger. The element is especially useful for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

Magnesium and calcium, which almonds are rich in, are important for health musculoskeletal system. These are the main minerals for strengthening bones and building bone tissue. Thanks to almonds, you can prevent tooth decay and reduce the risk of bone fractures.

For the heart and blood vessels

Almonds are good for the cardiovascular system. reduces arterial pressure, high level which is one of the provocateurs of heart attacks and strokes.

“Bad” cholesterol in the blood causes most heart diseases. With the help of almonds, you can reduce the level of “bad” cholesterol while maintaining “good” cholesterol.

For nerves and brain

Almonds are involved in brain development, providing cognitive ability. It improves concentration, memory and reaction speed.

For eyes

Almonds are important for eye health. Our eyes are exposed to harmful substances from environment. This damages the small blood vessels in the lining of the eye, which leads to eye diseases and blurred vision. Vitamin E in almonds is involved in the rapid healing of vessel walls and reduces the risk of developing cataracts.

For the gastrointestinal tract

Almonds act as a natural remedy to prevent and relieve constipation. It acts like, maintaining health gastrointestinal tract.

Healthy fats and alkaline-forming molecules in almonds improve digestion and elimination harmful substances. At the same time, “good” bacteria remain in the intestines.

Almonds help fight hunger and consume fewer calories from food.

For the thyroid gland

Almonds contain selenium, which strengthens the immune system and fights chronic diseases. The main benefit of selenium is protection against thyroid dysfunction.

For kidneys and bladder

Not even a large number of almonds consumed daily will reduce the risk of kidney stones. It can be added to porridge or salads. This simple method will prevent the development of gallbladder diseases and diversify your diet.

For the reproductive system

Almonds contribute - it is useful for people with its deficiency. Almonds contain zinc, selenium and vitamin E, which are valuable for the reproductive system and sexual health. Zinc helps produce male sex hormones and increases libido. Vitamin E reduces the likelihood of infertility, and selenium improves the functioning of the circulatory system, which is also important for men.

Did you know that almonds are actually seeds and not nuts? Do you want to know more?

And today I wanted to tell you what the benefits of almonds are for the body and consider all of its almonds...

Oh, by the way, the news that almonds are not a nut at all probably shocked some people a little, didn’t it?

This reminds us of when we first learned that watermelon is not a fruit but a berry. Perhaps you didn’t know this yet?

Then be erudite. Because this is just a simple scientific classification that sometimes confuses us.

It's true, almonds come in a hard shell. It's just a seed, like a plum. Only in comparison with a plum, it is not covered with a fleshy and tasty shell, but with a hard one.

Almonds are quite low in calories compared to other foods. But at the same time, it is quite rich in vitamins and nutrients. It contains a lot of calcium, vitamin E and antioxidants.

It is not for nothing that many experts consider him one of the best products for the prevention of various diseases.

Almonds are also incredibly versatile. You can eat it raw, fry it, or slice it and add it to your salad, yogurt, oatmeal, or green smoothie, for example. So what do you think? ...

Let's still focus on the most useful properties ah almonds and look at some very important benefits for your health. You will remember them when you crunch them sweetly next time...

Benefits of almonds for the body

1. Almonds contain antioxidants

As I mentioned earlier, almonds can help you significantly in terms of reducing the risk of many diseases. This is all because of their high amount of antioxidants and its essential nutrients.

Almonds contain many antioxidants, including flavonoids, which we already wrote about in our article about turmeric, remember? ...

These flavonoids fight free radicals that damage our bodies and make us old and sick. Therefore, almonds can reduce cell damage in our body.

Almonds also contain antioxidants called catechins, also found in citrus fruits. And there are especially many of them in white and green tea, as well as in various berries.

They are polyphenolic compounds and are strong antioxidants that can resist strong toxins such as environmental toxins and cigarette smoke.

The combination of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals suggests that this is a super food that fights diseases and may have a role in keeping us looking and feeling younger.

That is why it is believed that the beneficial properties of almonds are especially important for women and pregnant women.

2. Almonds will help prevent gallstones

Gallstones...

Yes, it really hurts. The gallbladder is an important organ in your body that stores bile produced in the liver.

Typically, gallstones are formed due to high cholesterol. This may cause pain in the upper abdomen and yellowing of your skin, as well as nausea and other symptoms.

Gallstones are more common in women, older people, and those who are overweight. Of course, hormone therapy and pregnancy can increase a woman's susceptibility to gallstones.

This may sound absurd, but 80% of patients do not feel any symptoms even when they already have stones.

The good news is that seeds and nuts, especially almonds, help fight the formation of gallstones. This is all because of their one main property - lowering bad cholesterol.

Therefore, we can say that almonds are especially useful for pregnant women who are prone to stones.

3. Almonds help increase energy levels

As I said earlier, almonds are very nutritious. So it makes sense to say that he is good source energy.

About 20 tonsils have more protein than one egg. Almonds are filled with manganese, copper, important B vitamins and magnesium.

Magnesium can be called super important element in our body and there is a lot of evidence for this...

The problem of magnesium deficiency in the human body is becoming more and more urgent every day. Magnesium is one of the essential minerals to keep us healthy. It is involved in more than 300 biochemical reactions in our body.

Magnesium's many health benefits include nerve transmission, body temperature regulation, detoxification, energy production, and the formation of healthy bones and teeth.

Let's look at some super useful items:

• Manganese - essential for bone structure, bone metabolism and building material for bones. Manganese deficiency leads to high blood pressure, poor circulation, bone problems, memory loss and other terrible symptoms.
• Copper - essential for the liver, brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. Copper helps form the important protein collagen, which is part of many body tissues, including the formation and renewal of healthy skin.
• Vitamins - vitamins play key role in maintaining our body and helping it function properly as well as convert food into energy to carry out our daily tasks.

Almonds are actually an ideal snack on a diet, especially if you need energy.

It also contains a lot of protein, good fats that we really need. It's rich in fiber, which helps slow down the digestion process and produce more energy, keeping you fuller longer.

Probably, many have heard that some properties of almonds help in weight loss.

4. Super properties of almonds will help in weight loss

The secret of almonds is that they have a low glycemic index. This means that after consuming the product, the blood sugar level rises gradually, but does not fall immediately either.

This is what allows you to achieve a feeling of fullness for a long time.

Participants who ate almonds for breakfast remained fuller for much longer than those who did not eat almonds. Thus, almonds help to “outsmart” the body and painlessly reduce the size and calorie content of portions. Thanks to this, with the help of almonds you can protect yourself from overeating.

5. Almonds are rich in unsaturated fats

Imagine one glass of almonds contains 45 grams of fat. This may sound like a lot, but they contain a whopping 28g of super healthy monounsaturated fat, followed by 11g of polyunsaturated fat and only 3.4g of saturated fat.

The great advantage of monounsaturated fats is that they oxidize more slowly than all other vegetable fats. In this regard, when they are eaten, a much smaller amount of free radicals is formed. And free radicals have been found to be a trigger for many diseases.

Among these diseases are ischemia, atherosclerosis, cancer, diseases of the nervous and immune systems, skin diseases, etc. The skin also loses moisture, becomes prone to premature aging, and receives an impetus for the development of dermatoses.

Perhaps this is why Mediterranean countries, which traditionally consume olive oil daily, also have a rich source of these fats, the most low level oncological and cardiovascular diseases, unlike Western European countries.

Harvard researchers found that Greek women who consumed olive oil more than once a day were 35% less likely to develop breast cancer than those who consumed olive oil less frequently.

It has also been noted that in areas where people traditionally consume a lot olive oil, mortality from breast, colon, ovarian, uterine and prostate cancers is significantly lower. Therefore, almonds are very useful for the female body.

Recent studies have confirmed one more interesting fact. Monounsaturated fats also fight atherosclerosis quite effectively, like polyunsaturated fats fatty acid.

Monounsaturated fats have been found to slow down the oxidation of cholesterol. This way, cholesterol can't penetrate artery walls, destroy them and cause heart attacks and strokes.

Oleic acid also helps to increase the levels of elements in the blood that transport cholesterol from tissues to the liver for disposal.

Yes, almonds contain fat, but it's good fat that helps you lose weight, not gain it. Let's move on...

6. Almonds contain vitamin E

This is one of the most famous properties of almonds.

Almonds are simply packed with vitamin E, also known as alpha-tocopherol. Almonds contain approximately 36.6 mg of this vitamin in just one cup. Most people don't get required quantity vitamin E (vitamin of youth and reproduction).

Yes, these almonds are especially useful for pregnant women. So Dr. Komarovsky’s blog writes about vitamin E in one of its articles:

About 40 years ago, doctors included vitamin E in many treatments for various diseases.

But most of all it was used in gynecology and obstetrics. Since it is generally accepted that vitamin E is a “vitamin of the reproductive system.” It is involved in the maturation of eggs. And it is important for the fetus developing in the womb.

Therefore, it is the “reproduction vitamin.” This idea has become so popular that vitamin E is still prescribed to all women, not only pregnant women.

There are many benefits of vitamin E, here are some of the most...:

• Vitamin E helps thin the blood. This reduces the risks associated with cardiovascular problems.
• The antioxidant properties of vitamin E help transport blood to the skin and nourish the skin cells.
• Vitamin E has an anti-aging effect and helps speed up cell regeneration.
• Vitamin E also helps the skin retain its natural moisture. Which gives her a feeling of youth and freshness.

7. Almonds are good for heart and blood health

Almonds contain a lot of healthy fats, and this is super important in the prevention of heart and vascular diseases.

Mindal helps restore the function of affected blood vessels. In people who eat a lot of unhealthy fat, atherosclerotic plaques form in the vessels, which close the lumen of the vessel.

Unsaturated fatty acids change the composition of fats in our body in such a way that these plaques simply do not form. And those that have already formed may even decrease in 20% of cases.

The unsaturated fats contained in almonds improve the quality of our blood vessels. They prevent fat from forming there and remove it from plaques. As a result, the lumen of the vessel is restored.

In addition, almonds help restore the function of damaged blood vessels, because they contain quite a lot of substances that dilate blood vessels.

It is also said that mindal is good for the heart. These seeds contain large amounts of magnesium and potassium, which are needed for normal operation heart and to reduce heart disease.

So don't be afraid of the high "fat" content in almonds, it's not a bad thing. Chew it!

8. Almonds contain essential vitamins

Almonds contain many vitamins, which, as noted earlier, are important in regulating energy and correct function body.

Let's take a look at best vitamins contained in almonds and their benefits for us:

• Vitamin B1 (thiamine) 0.29 mg per cup - helps convert carbohydrates, fats and proteins into energy.
• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) 1.62 mg per cup - is involved in all types of metabolic processes. It plays a particularly important role in ensuring visual functions, normal condition of the skin and mucous membranes, and hemoglobin synthesis.
• Vitamin B3 (niacin or niacin) 5.17 mg per cup - releases energy from all calorie-containing nutrients; synthesis of proteins and fats. Helps in reducing anxiety, diabetes symptoms, preventing Alzheimer's disease, arterial plaque and increases good cholesterol.
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) 0.13 mg per cup - is involved in the processes of carbohydrate metabolism, the synthesis of hemoglobin and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Activity regulation nervous system; red blood cell regeneration; antibody formation.
• Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) 63 mcg per cup - promotes formation nucleic acids and cell division; red blood cell formation; fetal development; homocysteine ​​metabolism.

9. Almonds help reduce the risk of colon cancer

Can almonds prevent colon cancer?

We have found out that almonds contain many important antioxidants that counteract free radicals. This is a useful property that will help avoid cancer.

According to sources, American biochemist E.T. Krebs put forward the theory that cancer, like scurvy, is a disease of vitamin deficiency. Only if scurvy is caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, then cancer is caused by a deficiency of some B vitamins.

Krebs proved that these vitamins only affect cancer cells, especially colon cells, and do not affect healthy ones.

This suggests that consuming almonds may actually reduce the risk of colon cancer.

What are the best ways to eat more almonds?

You can simply grab a handful of almonds as a snack. But there are other ways to get all the benefits of almonds in your diet. I'm sure you've seen and already know some of them. However, let's still remember some of them:

• Salad: Crunchy? Why not make your salad a super salad by simply adding healthy almonds to the health of some green vegetables and herbs.
• Yogurt is probably one of the best options. Tossing a few almond seeds into your yogurt will add a tangy flavor and more health benefits.
• Oatmeal - Oatmeal can be a bit of a boring breakfast, can't it? Just add almonds and for example some healthy fruits! This will give the porridge a great taste and lots of vitamins.
• Pizza - Don't know how to make a healthy version? If you want to make your pizza wholesome and healthy, try adding fresh spinach leaves or other greens and almonds.
• Almond milk - Many pure vegetarians know exactly the recipe for this. If you are allergic to cow's milk You can easily replace it with almond or use it as the basis for a healthy smoothie...

Conclusion

There are many other ideas on how tasty and healthy it is to prepare the right dishes using almond seeds.

And when preparing your next healthy dish remember that you can include almonds in it. Almonds are beneficial for both men and women. It rejuvenates the body and protects against many deadly diseases.

Almonds are especially useful for pregnant women due to the special vitamins they contain.

The information mentioned in the article above will leave no doubt that almonds are one of the healthiest crops on Earth!

Many people love nuts as a treat or healthy snack; they are very healthy if consumed in moderation. The fruits of the almond tree are also popular. The product, among other types, stands out for its high specific content of saturated fatty oils and B vitamins. When using it, you need to know the benefits and harms of almonds.

What are almonds

Almond trees grow in Central Asia, the Mediterranean, and China on mountain slopes. Almonds are a type of plum fruit crops, rose family. The fruit is similar to a peach pit, the taste is like an apricot kernel. There are bitter (wild) and sweet (cultivated) subspecies. Bitter fruit contains toxic substance amygdalin glycoside is therefore inedible, and when it enters the body it is harmful - causes poisoning. Nuts, juice, milk and oil are used in cosmetic, food production. Almonds - the benefits and harms of the product for humans remain a topic of medical discussion.

Almonds - composition

Utility defined chemical composition nut, especially the content of substances similar to collagen and elastin. There are more useful elements in the shell, closer to the shell, so it is recommended to eat nuts with the skin. The composition of almonds is rich in saturated fats (40-60%), proteins (up to 30%), essential oils (up to 0.8%). The fruits contain:

• vitamin B2, E, B6 (pyridoxine), B1 (thiamine), vitamin B9, ;
• carbohydrates, calcium, carotene, organic acids, lycopene;
• amino acids (tryptophan, valine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, threonine);
• fatty acids (arachidic acid, margaric acid, moleskinic acid, stearic acid, mylistic acid);
• potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium.

Calorie content of almonds

The nut contains a significant amount of calories - 645 kcal/100 g. The calorie content of almonds varies depending on the method of preparation: from 575 kcal for the raw product to 640 kcal for roasted nuts. The recommended dose by doctors is 30 grams of fruit per day.

Almonds - nutritional value

What are the benefits of almonds?

Nutritionists consider almond oil to be one of the healing properties. Due to its high fat content (up to 60%), the oil is actively used in medicine and cosmetology. The product has an enveloping property, softens the reactivity of the gastrointestinal mucosa to digestive juices and food.

The benefits of almonds are:

• cell renewal;
• strengthening the osteoarticular apparatus;
• relieving inflammation and cleansing the kidneys;
• improving brain activity;
• migraine relief;
• regulation of flatulence, the digestive tract as a whole;
• normalization of mood during depression;
• increasing hemoglobin levels, enriching blood with oxygen during anemia;
• sedative effect for insomnia.

What are the benefits of almonds for women?

For the female half of humanity, the benefits are undeniable, first of all, through the active use of the nut in cosmetic production in the manufacture of preparations for skin cleansing and eye makeup remover. Due to its content in cosmetics, eyelashes and hair gain shine, their growth is enhanced, and the skin is moisturized. Cosmetics manufacturers include almond oil in facial products due to its anti-aging, nourishing properties.

The benefits of almonds for women are also significant during pregnancy. The product supplies the expectant mother's body with vitamin E, iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, folic acid, and helps against hair loss. The fiber contained in almonds regulates digestive tract problems common to pregnant women. The nut is also useful for the normal development of the child in the womb.

What are the benefits of almonds for men?

For men, almonds can be useful for potency. A strong aphrodisiac containing arginine, zinc, tocopherol and selenium, stimulates sperm production and improves its quality. The benefits of almonds for men are also evident in the fight against baldness: a mask is prepared from a mixture of milk and crushed nuts and applied to problem areas to stimulate hair growth.

How many almonds can you eat per day?

For a healthy adult, it is recommended to consume no more than ten fruits per day, that is, 30–50 g. In the absence of allergic manifestations, the amount can be increased to twenty pieces per day. To make the nut even tastier, it is better to fry the kernels before use. For children, the daily intake of almonds should not exceed 5 nuts. One incomplete teaspoon of almond oil per day has the following effect:

• soothing;
• painkiller;
• anti-inflammatory;
• expectorant.

Harm of almonds

Knowing the benefits of almonds, you need to know about the negative effects. The harm of almonds is manifested by the body’s reaction to the allergen contained in the product - protein. It is not recommended to consume the nut if you have tachycardia, dermatitis, or obesity due to the high calorie content of the nut. Immature kernels can cause serious harm to the body: the cyanides they contain cause poisoning. Nuts should be stored in a dark, cool cabinet without access sun rays and it is better to buy dried fruit in shell.

Almond milk - benefits and harms

Nut derivative - almond milk contains manganese, iron, magnesium, copper, zinc, selenium, riboflavin, due to which:

• weight, digestion, blood pressure are regulated;
• bones, teeth, muscles are strengthened;
• the skin takes on a healthy appearance;
• vision and heart muscle are strengthened.

Lactose-free almond milk is tastier than cow's milk, but it will not replace the usual fermented milk products and is contraindicated for infants. The milk is made with carrageenan, a red algae additive. The effect of ingredient content is still open due to the study of it negative influence on the gastrointestinal system and heart. Knowing the benefits and harms, look for a product that does not contain carrageenan or prepare it yourself from raw fruits.

Almonds - beneficial properties and contraindications

What almonds are delicious nut, everyone knows. But the fact that it is very beneficial for the body may come as a surprise to you. Let's consider whether almonds are beneficial, when almonds are beneficial and when they are harmful.

Did you know? The name almond comes from the name of the goddess Amygdala. This young girl blushed easily, so the almonds during flowering are like the delicate blush on the Amygdala's cheeks.

Chemical composition and nutritional value of almonds

Almonds are not only tasty, but also healthy. Let's look at what almonds contain.

Important! Almonds, in fact, are not considered a nut, since peach, plum, and apricot are closer to them. And what we call a nut is a seed. The almond fruit has no pulp. The hazel is hidden in a fragile shell, which is covered with a dark green shell. Almond fruits can be sweet or bitter. Sweets are used in Food Industry, and bitter ones - in the perfumery.

Almonds are high-calorie foods. Its cores contain water – 4%, fatty oil – up to 50%, protein – about 21%, carbohydrates – about 22%, vitamins, mucus, coloring matter, essential oil – 0.5%. The energy value per 100 g of product is 576 kcal (2408 kJ).

Properties of almonds

Almonds are the raw material for obtaining almond oil and seeds.

Beneficial properties of almonds

Almond has many useful properties. It has a positive effect on blood lipids and the level of antioxidant vitamin E in the blood. Almonds are powerful source protein and contains vitamins and minerals necessary for the body. It improves immunity, cleanses internal organs, strengthens vision, and has a beneficial effect on all body systems.

It is used to prevent cancer and gastrointestinal diseases. Almonds are a strong aphrodisiac; they enhance sperm production and improve sperm quality.

Has a laxative and diuretic effect on the body. Almond shells can be used to make activated carbon.

Harm and contraindications to its use

Like any product that is beneficial, in some cases it can also cause harm, so the use of almonds should be dosed. Let's look at why you shouldn't eat a lot of almonds.

Firstly, remember that only sweet almonds are used for food. Secondly, allergy sufferers should use it carefully. Individual intolerance does not happen often, but it should not be discounted. Third, people who are obese are not recommended to consume almonds as a high-calorie product.

People with heart disease should use almonds with caution.

It should be remembered that bitter almond seeds are poisonous due to the content of the glycoside amygdalin. As a result of splitting this chemical substances hydrocyanic acid is released, which has a negative effect on the nervous, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems.

Did you know? Hydrocyanic acid was used by the Nazis during World War II to kill people in concentration camps. Death occurs within 5-15 minutes.

Eating almonds during pregnancy

Using almonds during pregnancy, you need to know for sure that they will be beneficial and will not harm the newborn. Since almonds contain a large amount of folic acid, which contributes to the normal development of the fetus, the benefits of consuming it for pregnant women become obvious.

Also valuable for the development of the baby is the content of a special protein, which is necessary for the formation of human tissue. If there is a delay in fetal growth, then almonds may be prescribed as a dietary supplement to eliminate this problem.

The vitamin E content in almonds is very valuable for the body of the expectant mother. If a pregnant woman eats 10-15 almond kernels every day, this will provide her body with the necessary vitamins and microelements, and the baby will develop fully. Also, eating almonds during pregnancy has a good effect on digestion and will help cope with insomnia.

Almond oil should be used to prevent stretch marks on the body during pregnancy, as well as for massage for back pain and swelling of the legs.

By consuming almonds during such a crucial period of your life, future mom should know what is good for food only sweet almonds. It should not be forgotten that Unripe almonds can lead to food poisoning. Almonds, like any nut, are among the foods that can cause allergies. Therefore, monitor your body’s reaction and do not consume it in too large portions.

Since this valuable product refers to high-calorie, then pregnant women who are gaining weight too rapidly, it is better to avoid eating almonds. Expectant mothers who have rapid heartbeat, kidney disease or gall bladder should also avoid using it.

Important! When choosing almonds in the supermarket, know that it is better to buy them in shells. Fresh almonds will have a pleasant nutty smell and uniform kernel color. You can store almonds in a cool place in a closed, dark container or freezer. Due to the presence of essential oils, almonds may go rancid if stored improperly.

Uses of almonds

Because of its benefits, almonds are widely used in medicine, cosmetology, food and perfume industry. Most wide application found almond oil. It is made by cold pressing almond kernels. WITH therapeutic purpose It is used both by itself and in combination with other medicinal components.

Use of almonds in medicine

The beneficial properties of bitter almonds have been used since ancient times in folk medicine. For this they took fruits, leaves, root bark and almond seeds.

Fruits of the plant in crushed form they were used for coughs, asthmatic attacks, and pleurisy. Almond infusion taken at poor eyesight. External application was used as an antiseptic and as a wound healing agent. Consumption of seeds recommended for anemia, headaches, leg cramps.

Like many oils, almond oil is universal in use. It is much more effective than olive oil in reducing cholesterol levels. It can reduce stomach acidity, has a laxative effect, treats wounds, burns, and is used for ear pain.

Almond oil has analgesic, soothing, anti-inflammatory and softening effects. For ulcers and chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract with increased acidity recommend taking almond oil half a teaspoon 3 times a day for 3 months.

For the treatment of respiratory organs it is necessary to use 10 drops 3 times a day. The oil has an analgesic effect for sports injuries and sprains. In such cases, compresses are used.

Use of almonds in the perfume industry

In addition to the benefits of almonds, its seductive aroma is used in the perfume industry. Essential oil is better suited for this.

You should know that whole bitter almond kernels have no odor. After cutting, they acquire a specific aroma due to benzaldehyde. When creating perfume compositions, perfumers add the aroma of almonds and thereby create a special, refined aristocratic smell.

After purification from amygdalin, almond oil is used to make elite varieties of soap.

Did you know? Almonds were cultivated in Western and Central Asia as early as 4 thousand years BC. e.

Use of almonds in the food industry

Almonds They are widely used for making sweets and various confectionery desserts; no one doubts their benefits and excellent taste. Roasted nuts can be used with beer. Dried almonds takes first place compared to other nuts in terms of taste.

Whole Roasted Almonds is the most expensive and valuable. It is used to make sweets, chocolate bars, and as a decoration on confectionery products. Almonds covered with chocolate glaze are very tasty.

Crushed roasted almonds can be used in the manufacture of pastries, cakes, cookies, as an additive to jams, butter, pastes, ketchups. It is widely used in the dairy industry, adding to ice cream and curd mass.

Almond flour used for making pastes, as an additive to glazes and doughs. This gives confectionery products Great taste and smell of almonds.

In the production of cognac, wines, liqueurs they use almond shell. It improves the color and aroma of drinks.

It is prepared in northern Spain and is called horchata. In France, mixing it with orange water produces a drink called orchada. Almond milk was used to make the delicious blancmange dessert.

The most famous dishes in Europe with the addition of almonds are marzipan and pralines. is a mixture of ground almonds with sugar syrup, and praline- These are ground almonds fried in sugar.

The use of almonds in cosmetology

The benefits of almond oil are great not only in cooking; almonds are also widely used in cosmetology. It is easily absorbed into the skin and mucous membranes, is suitable for any skin, regardless of age and type, and has no contraindications. It is added to cosmetical tools for face, hair and whole body.

When using almond oil, you should know that It is not a skin moisturizer, but rather helps lock in moisture. Therefore, it must be applied to damp skin.

Oil affects each skin type differently. It has a restorative effect on sagging and dry skin, a regenerative and moisturizing effect on mature and dry skin, an antiseptic effect on oily skin, a velvety and uniform effect on sensitive and vascular skin. After using the oil, the skin becomes elastic and wrinkles are smoothed out.

Almond oil is an excellent product for caring for hands, nails, eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair. It stimulates their growth and shine. It is often used as a makeup remover and for massage.

Almonds have been a symbol of beauty, purity and marital happiness since ancient times. Since the tree is one of the first to bloom, it is associated with spring, renewal and the beginning of something new.

The plant originates in Asia. Today it has expanded its borders, and its fruits are brought to us both from the United States and from Italy, Spain, Syria and Iran. The almond tree belongs to the Rosaceae family. Loves sunny space and temperate climate, soil rich in moisture with sufficient calcium. The peculiarity is that the tree bears fruit only a third of its life - 50 years. There are more than 40 varieties of almonds, growing on both bushes and trees. The leaves are long and narrow, oblong in shape. A very beautiful flowering process: the flowers have a soft pink color and resemble Japanese sakura, which creates the impression of a spring festival.

Composition of vitamins and beneficial properties

Almonds contain the following vitamins and minerals:

• vitamins A (0.25 mg), B1 (0.06 mg), B2 (0.65 mg), B3 (6.2 mg), B5 (0.04 mg), B6 ​​(0.3 mg), B9 (0.04 mg), C (1.5 mg), E (24 mg);

• potassium (748 mg);
• phosphorus (473 mg);
• calcium (273 mg);
• magnesium (234 mg);
• sulfur (178 mg);
• chlorine (39 mg);
• sodium (10 mg);
• iron (2.1 mg);
• zinc (2.1 mg);
• manganese (1.9 mg);
• copper (0.14 mg).

Almond grains are usually divided into sweet and bitter. Sweet almonds are usually eaten. It contains a little more than 50% fatty oils, 10% of which are saturated fats that are harmful to the body.

The rest is monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for the body.

The chemical composition of almonds is rich in minerals. This amount of calcium is not found in any other type of nut. Almonds are also rich in potassium, magnesium and zinc.

Consumption of almonds for the prevention and treatment of diseases:

1. Vitamin E in combination with calcium (for better absorption) is useful for anemia, cramps, and various diseases eye. Helps eliminate insomnia.
2. Eliminates the formation of cholesterol plaques on the walls of blood vessels and prevents the occurrence of atherosclerosis.
3. Almonds have positive influence on the body for gastrointestinal diseases, as well as ulcers. Regulates and normalizes acidity levels.
4. For children will be useful if the child is behind in physical development(usually almonds are ground into powder and added to soft foods). The optimal daily intake of almonds is 30 grams.
5. Eating almonds helps strengthen the heart muscles, thereby reducing the risk of getting, for example, a heart attack in the near future. This nut is also an excellent stimulant for more quality work both hemispheres of the brain.
6. Because almonds normalize sugar and cholesterol levels in the body, it would be advisable to prescribe it to diabetics (type 2), and also to use it as a prevention of this disease.
7. Consumption helps remove toxins from the body, cleanses blood and blood vessels. It is also used as a choleretic agent.
8. For men nuts are useful for enhancing sexual power in bed.

To make almonds better digestible, they should be consumed with added sugar. This contributes to a faster process of its processing in the body.

Almond fruits in medicine used for respiratory diseases and migraines. Sweet fruits are used to treat diseases internal organs. Emulsions from the fruits of this tree are used to treat intestinal diseases and their various complications; they have a beneficial effect on the mucous membrane of the body, gently enveloping it, relieving pain and protecting from irritation. Used for constipation.

Bitter almonds are a component of various medicinal oils and ointments (for external use).

Nut calorie content

Calorie content per 100 grams almonds are 570 calories. IN daily norm(30 g) approximately 163 kcal depending on the size of the nut kernel.

Almond essential oil - properties and uses

For getting essential oil almonds using the cold pressing method. Sweet kernels are used. The oil is rich in microelements such as phosphorus, sodium, zinc, iron, proteins and sugar, has a pleasant fresh aroma and is easily absorbed into the skin. Contains oleic and linoleic acids.

Almond oil reduces the technical indicator of cholesterol, bringing the body back to normal. Even olive oil cannot compare with the effects of almond oil!

The oil is used in the following cases:

• helps with inflammation;
• used for the prevention of bedsores (compresses and wraps);
• treats sunburn;
• used for flatulence;
• has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the nervous system.

Almonds during pregnancy

Almonds and the oil produced from them are also very useful for women. Since almonds are enriched with magnesium, this has a beneficial effect on the body of a pregnant girl. The gynecologist prescribes taking microelements in the form of tablets. Its use promotes muscle relaxation and prevents cramps. For back pain and swelling, use oil for external use.

Harm and contraindications

You need to remember the daily intake of almonds. Unlimited amount Eating nuts can not only harm your health, but also adversely affect your figure. Overdose may cause heart palpitations, dizziness and even drug intoxication.

Nuts are often an allergen, so before consuming this product in your diet, you should make sure that you do not have any contraindications.

Almonds that still retain their natural bitterness should not be eaten., since it contains 4% amygdalin. When ingested, this substance breaks down into hydrocyanic acid and benzaldehyde. The lethal dose for children is 10 nucleoli, for adults – 50. In case of poisoning, you should immediately call a doctor.

Bitter almonds can be eaten only if they are calcined, then as a result heat treatment substances such as glycoside and amygdalin become safe for the body. But this procedure will not relieve bitterness.

Application in cosmetology

Since the composition of almonds is rich in vitamin B, it helps maintain skin, hair and nails in good condition . Essential almond oil is widely used in cosmetology; it is very versatile and suitable for all skin types.

Application:

• smoothing wrinkles and regenerating mature skin;
• helps with excessive dryness and flaking;
• improves the growth and thickness of hair and eyelashes;
• used during anti-cellulite massage;
• used in mixtures that help smooth out postpartum stretch marks.