Almost every balanced and nutritional diet plan will advise you to consume some amount of nuts a day, because of the various health benefits this food group offers you. Almonds happen to be one of the healthiest options in this category, because they are packed with healthy nutrients (calcium, magnesium, fiber, iron, riboflavin) and contain just about 160 calories per ounce. Moreover, they are crunchy, tasty and can be eaten in several different ways.
The recommended intake of almonds is one ounce or about 23 almonds per day; however this is just an average and the actual number may vary a bit from one person to the other, depending upon several factors. There are several health benefits you can enjoy if you eat up to 23 almonds a day. Almonds help:
- Boost energy levels in the body
- Build stronger teeth and bones
- Control and maintain weight
- Decrease the risks of heart attacks
- Enhance overall brain function, especially memory
- Fight of conditions like diabetes
- Lower the spike in insulin and blood sugar after a meal
- Get rid of the toxic oxygen free radicals from the mucous membrane & skin
- Improve overall skin health as well as complexion
- Prevent cancer of the lung, colon and prostate
- Promote better gastrointestinal health
- Protect your artery walls from damage
- Reduce levels of bad cholesterol in the body
- Regulate blood pressure
- Strengthen the immune system
For best results, have plain, raw almonds, as adding oil or salt to them can increase their caloric count significantly. Roasted almonds are quite healthy, but make sure that they have not been heated in any kind of oil. Also bear in mind that heating almonds at a high temperature destroys many of their nutrients.
However, do make sure that you do not exceed the daily recommended consumption for almonds, or you may experience side effects like vitamin E overdose, bloating, constipation, weight gain and medicine interaction. In fact, it is a good idea to check with your doctor before making almonds a regular part of your daily diet.
References:
- http://www.med.umich.edu/pfans/docs/tip-2011/healthynuts-0211.pdf
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/health-foods/MY01108&slide=2
answered by G R