By Anthoney J. Andersen – Steroidal.com
A handful of almonds a day will keep disease at bay.
Almonds are among the most popular of all the tree nuts. Not only are they a delightful treat for your taste buds, but they are also a nutritious and savory little snack, which are loaded with a variety of health benefits.
THE BREAKDOWN
According to an article in The San Francisco Chronicle, consuming roughly 23 almonds a day is a quick and easy way to integrate many vital nutrients that your body craves.
Almonds are chalked-full of vitamin E, calcium, magnesium and potassium. In addition to these important vitamins, almonds are also high in protein and fiber – while being extremely low in sugar.
One 23-almond serving contains 160 calories, 13 grams of healthy unsaturated fat, one gram of saturated fat and no cholesterol or salt.
Yes, you heard right – almonds contain healthy fat.
Among all the tree nuts, almonds are the highest in protein, fiber, calcium, vitamin E, riboflavin and niacin.
Protein plays an important role and many functions in the body. Your body uses protein to help build and repair tissue, and is a crucial component in the construction of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin and blood.
And like with most fiber-rich foods, almonds help prevent constipation. When it comes to keeping your digestive tract running at optimal levels, it only takes a small amount – four to five almonds – to maintain regular bowel movements.
OPTIMAL BRAIN FUNCTION
According to Organicfacts.net, two essential nutrients in almonds – riboflavin and L-carnitine – have been linked to an increase in brain activity, resulting in neural pathways and a reduced occurrence in Alzheimer’s disease later on in life.
Adding almonds to your daily diet can also be beneficial for the overall health and functioning of your nervous system.
A HEALTHY HEART
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), eating 1.5 ounces of most nuts – like almonds – may help prevent the risk of heart disease.
Almonds contain the vital nutrient – magnesium – which is an essential mineral that aids in keeping blood pressure at normal levels, while maintaining strong bones and helping your body maintain a healthy, and consistent heartbeat.
According to WebMD, several studies have shown that almonds also possess the ability to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and preserving good cholesterol (HDL), which plays a dynamic role in heart health.
STRONG BONES
As you age, your bone density gradually begins to decline, which can lead to the bone disease osteoporosis.
According to Mayo Clinic, osteoporosis causes the breakdown of your bones, which over time will create weak and brittle bones. Osteoporosis can cause bones to become so brittle that a mild fall or stresses – like bending down or coughing – can cause a fracture.
However, almonds contain yet another essential mineral – phosphorous – which is beneficial to the strength and durability of bones and teeth, while helping prevent the onset of osteoporosis.
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
Since almonds are high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, it doesn’t take much to help your body achieve that full and satisfied feeling.
A handful of almonds are all it takes to achieve this feeling, so you won’t have the urge to overeat, which will help keep your body at a healthy and manageable weight.
According to Fitness Magazine, the magnesium in almonds is what helps stave off your body’s food cravings. It is also responsible in helping block the body’s absorption of calories, which is why almonds are considered the go-to weight-loss snack.
RAW VS. ROASTED
Which type of almond contains the most nutrients for maintaining proper health?
Raw, unsalted almonds are actually considered the healthiest because roasted almonds tend to lose some of their nutrients when roasted. Raw almonds also tend to contain more naturally occurring fats that aren’t lost during the roasting process.
However, both raw and roasted almonds pack a high level of minerals and nutrients.
Dry roasted almonds have the same amount of calories as raw almonds, but almonds that are roasted in oil tend to contain more calories.
CONCLUSION
With more than one-third of U.S. adults being overweight, consuming a healthy snack like almonds can be a health conscious decision when it comes to providing your body with the essential nutrients it needs to properly function, while maintaining a healthy weight.
It’s a win-win.
