Health Benefits of Almonds

There are quite a number of health benefits of almonds due to the amount of nutrients in this fruit, or oftentimes referred to as nuts.

Almonds Nutrition

A 100g of raw almonds contains 575 calories. Among the nutrients present are:

1. 21g protein
   
   
2. 21g carbohydrates
   
   
3. 12g fiber
   
   
4. 264mg calcium
   
   
5. 268gg magnesium
   
   
6. 484mg phosphorus
   
   
7. 705mg potassium
   
   
8. 26mg of alpha tocopherol or also referred to as vitamin E
   
   
9. 30g monounsaturated fatty acids
   
   
10. 12g polyunsaturated fatty acids
    
    
11. 52mg choline
    
    
12. 50mcg folate
    
    
13. 132mg beta sitosterol, 5mg campesterol and 4mg stigmasterol

Source : USDA National Nutrient Database

Nutritional Benefits of Almonds

Beta sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol are phytochemicals. Studies have shown that these chemicals provide significant positive effects to cardiovascular health. They aid in improving the ratio of the HDL and LDL to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

The other one of the benefits of almonds, because of the presence of these phytochemicals, is for prostate health. Eating almonds or taking the supplement may fight the symptoms related and also help reduce urine volume.

The tocopherol or vitamin E is an antioxidant. So, one of the benefits of eating almonds is that the vitamin E in it helps fight radicals. And it is also a detoxifier.

Almonds are also high in "good fats" as they contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. They may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The fiber in almonds also supports healthy cholesterol levels, other than being excellent for healthy digestive system.

The high amounts of minerals namely calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus all add up to the health benefits of almonds. They are necessary for strong teeth and bones, support health conditions such as high blood pressure, PMS, osteoporosis and proper kidney function.

Ancient medical traditions like Chinese medicine have long revered the benefits of almonds. They are considered to be anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic in nature, and they help in alkalinizing the blood. Chinese medicine believes that almonds also relive the stagnation of chi in the liver.

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