Have you ever noticed that almonds are all diets? They are recommended as snacks, snacks anti-hunger, etc., etc.?
Because they are rich in minerals, especially magnesium, it can not consume a large amount because they are caloric and contain a high percentage of lipids, but they are excellent to counteract anemia, bad moods and many other problems as we shall see.
almond types
Almonds can be:
- desserts, the most cultivated;
- love, contain amygdalin which can cause cyanide poisoning (are darker in color and more rounded shape);
- apricot kernels, or seeds contained in the kernels of apricots and peaches.
The sweet and bitter some (cooked lose much of the risk of being toxic) are used for the preparation of the macaroons, but also of the liquors.
The kernels are processed industrially to remove the bitterness.
With almonds can be prepared:
- sweet (macaroons, nougats, candies, cakes, puddings, gingerbread, marzipan)
- almond milk
- alcohol
- almond oil
Milk in particular is very rich in nutrients, you are achieved by blending the almonds, putting them in water, and then tap off the liquid squeezing the pulp. It should be kept in the refrigerator because it sours quickly.
The almond oil is especially used in cosmetics as an emollient and soothing.
How to recognize the almonds
The almond (Prunus Dulci), of the Rosaceae family, is a tree that can exceed ten meters high. The fruit is the almond, an oval drupe from woody shell in which you'll find one or two seeds, sweet or bitter. The flowers are white, intense aroma. Fresh almonds are harvested in the spring.
One of the curiosities of this fruit is the fact that the ancient Romans considered it an auspicious symbol for newlyweds while in the Middle Ages the almonds were used to prepare aphrodisiac filters.
The plant is native to Asia, he reached the Mediterranean and found fertile culture in Sicily.
Almonds calories and nutritional values
Like all oil seeds, almonds have a high calorie, equal to about 500 calories per 100 grams, they must be consumed in moderation if you fear being overweight and related diseases.
Because almonds are so important? For their high content of important nutrients, which are:
- vitamins (riboflavin, vitamin E, J, A, B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6);
- mineral salts (manganese, magnesium, calcium, chlorine, iron, potassium, zinc, selenium, copper and phosphorus);
- triglycerides (fat);
- polyphenols;
- fibers;
- amino acids (aspartic and glutamic acid, alanine, arginine, cystine, glycine, phenylalanine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, proline, methionine, serine, tyrosine, tryptophan, valine and threonine);
- laetrile.
Almonds: properties and benefits
Let's see why almonds are much recommended:
- Hypocholesterolemia, helps lower cholesterol levels in the blood;
- protect the cardiovascular system, preserve the circulation and heart damage from age and fats, avoiding the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques in blood vessels;
- protect against stroke and heart attack;
- maintain balanced blood pressure;
- anti-aging, almonds are considered excellent antioxidant because counteract the action of free radicals;
- almonds help boost the immune system;
- energizing, almonds are recommended at certain times when the body is in particular need of energy: pregnancy, convalescence, sport, physical and intellectual overwork. This property is due in particular to the high percentage of manganese, copper and riboflavin.
- slightly laxative, excellent against constipation;
- help in case of stress, anemia, menopause and premenstrual syndrome;
- osteoporosis, almonds strengthen and increase bone mineral density; why they are useful to women in menopause, which are subject to osteoporosis, but also for the elderly in general, whose bones tend to become brittle over time.
- anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, because relieves intestinal inflammation, kidney, lung and genitourinary;
- anti-anemic, thanks to the rich iron content;
- protects against the risk of developing type 2 diabetes;
- anticancer thanks to laetrile.
Almond oil has beneficial properties to make soft, nourished and supple skin and is especially recommended in case of stretch marks.
Almonds: all uses
Is used in cosmetics is almond milk, which is a great cleanser, both the oil and can be used to prevent the signs of aging on the skin, make-up off, lessen stretch marks and restore softness and elasticity to the skin. They are also allied hair as they help to nourish them and make them hydrated and bright, just add a few drops to the usual form of hair. Almond oil is also great to give back elasticity and beauty to the nails, even here just make small packs.
The milk is employed both in the cosmetic field that nutrition, although for the most part is widespread among those who are intolerant of cow's milk. It seems to be an excellent calming cough and helps to relax and recover the good mood.
An unconventional snack? Two slices of wholemeal bread with organic honey, chopped almonds and slices of banana. I certainly have, and it's great to get your fill of nutrients that are important to our physical and mental well being.
A tip: both the oil and the milk should be stored in the refrigerator because they go bad very quickly.
Almonds: contraindications and side effects
CAUTION: bitter almonds should not be eaten raw, because ARE POISONOUS. They contain amygdalin and involve similar to cyanide poisoning. Initially manifested by cramps, nausea and headaches and symptoms are getting worse by the amount that it has assumed. Seek immediate emergency care, especially if they have been ingested by children or pregnant women.
Bitter almonds when cooked lose their toxicity and in some manufactures the toxin is removed before use.
CAUTION: almonds can lead to intolerance and allergic reactions.
Almonds pregnant are recommended, but not the love of course.
Who should pay attention to the line, because they are very caloric consumption few and like all oil seeds are very fat. It only takes a handful every now and then, or three per day based on the diet that was recommended.
