Almonds come from a tree that is a component of the plum family. The trees are also native to West Asia, the Mediterranean and North Africa. The Latin version of the English word “Almond” is amygdalus, which translates to “tonsil plum.”As almonds were first cultivated in Greece by ancient Romans, they were commonly called almonds “Greek nuts.”
Technically speaking, almonds are literally a fruit.
When hanging on the tree, almond fruit looks like an elongated peach with a green husk and a gray tint. Once it matures, the almond shell is exposed when the husk splits open. California produces essentially the most amounts of almonds on this planet, and Spanish missionaries are widely credited for bringing them to the state.
Nutrition
Consuming as little as 12 almonds every day can make it easier to add many essential nutrients to your food regimen. They’re a wealthy source many nutrients resembling calcium, potassium, magnesium and vitamin E. Almonds also provide significant amounts of fiber and protein which can assist improve healthy muscle mass and GI tract functions. One serving of almonds alone incorporates 13 grams of unsaturated fats and a gram of saturated fat. Compared to all other edible tree nuts, they rank the highest of the list by way of fiber, calcium, protein, vitamin E, niacin and riboflavin by weight. Each serving provides 160 calories value of life-giving energy.
Heart Health
Consuming no less than one and a half ounces of nuts a day may reduce the prospect of developing heart disease, in accordance with the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). Almonds are filled with key nutrients which might be essential for a healthy disease-free heart. For instance, magnesium, being a mineral that almonds are abundant in, helps to guard against hypertension and heart attacks. Various clinical research studies have shown that almonds can assist in increasing good (HDL) cholesterol and decreasing bad (LDL) levels of cholesterol within the blood, which is crucial for heart health.
Weight Maintenance
Almonds consist of many key ingredients which might be helpful for promoting healthy levels of weight. For instance, the protein, fat and fiber in almonds can make it easier to feel full longer which may decrease your likelihood of overindulging. Furthermore, one other way that almonds can assist prevent overeating is by regulating blood sugar levels. Almonds may lower the quantity of calorie absorption of your body, which can assist prevent weight-gain. As almonds are calorie-rich, it is best to eat not more than a 1 ounce serving, or 23 average-sized almonds.
Other Health Advantages:
Research as shown that almond incorporates fiber that may improve the health of the GI (gastrointestinal) tract, and will even prevent diabetes. The fiber in almonds consists of prebiotic properties, that are non-digestible food substances that can assist remove bad bacteria and promote good bacteria within the gut. Research from the American Diabetes Association has found the almond-rich diets resembling the Mediterranean food regimen, helps to stop diabetes without the necessity of exercise, changes in caloric intake or weight-loss.