Adding nuts to your daily diet is always healthy. Whichever nut you include – cashews, pistachios, walnuts, or almonds, they all can provide some great health benefits. Every type of nut has some nutritional value and goodness to offer. In this article, we are going to talk about health benefits of almonds, an incredible source of a healthy diet. Also considered as a quick snack between working hours, many of you choose this snack over less healthy foods such as processed chips, biscuits, or chocolate, and why not, isn’t this the best thing you’ve done to your health?
While you are deliberately including almonds into your healthy diet, so many of you may not know about the benefits it can bring. Rich in protein and fiber too, almonds have their own unique nutritious value and yes, they are very essential. Nutrients such as vitamins B, C, and E, and minerals such as calcium, iron, and zinc, with just a handful of almonds, you can get a number of health benefits. Almonds also act as a great antioxidant which results in multiple benefits such as maintaining cholesterol levels and can also be good for your heart, brain, bones, and teeth. You can consume almonds in either form – raw or toasted as a quick snack or even add them to desserts or savory dishes. Almonds are also available sliced, flaked, slivered, oil, or almond milk. Including it in your snacks or meal can be a great way to improve your overall health and wellbeing.
There are numerous potential health benefits of almonds and it’s not just we saying it, but also numerous research have documented the same. In this article, you will find out 10 good reasons why almonds can be a healthful choice.
Health benefits of almonds
1. Helps improve digestion
A great source of fiber, consuming a handful of almonds can keep your gastrointestinal tract moving and prevent you from getting constipated or feeling bloated. It helps in preventing bacteria and digestion, improving the overall digestive tract and immune system. Thus, almonds can also help fight off illness.
2. Moisturizes your skin
If you have dry or flaky skin, a cream or lotion that contains almonds could help! Almonds consist of properties of healthy fats and help in keeping your skin intact and supple. By using almond lotion or cream, it can support your glowing skin by giving your body the vitamin A and E it deserves. You can also consider making your own almond facial oil by adding up a few drops to the essential oil of your choice and see the difference!
3. Helps reducing risks of heart disease
Almonds have the benefit of maintaining good heart health. Due to its antioxidant properties, almonds can reduce blood pressure and improve the flow of blood in the body. It also helps in improving lipid and fat levels in the blood. In order to obtain these benefits, eating a handful of almonds can help. With this little portion, you can get the right source of vitamin E, healthy fats, and fiber making you feel full at the same time.
4. Eradicates cravings
We all feel hungry sooner than we realize that our stomach’s growling for food again. We tend to grab the unnecessary junk we see in front of us – chips, biscuits, or maybe we order in. Well, why not avoid that chocolate chip cookie or burger, when you can replace it with a dish of almonds? Raw, toasted, or salty, this almond crunch is known to squelch cravings. All you need to do is, get that sweet tooth out of your mind. Don’t be nuts and munch on those healthy almond snacks.
5. Helps in promoting healthy cells
Not just rich in proteins and healthy fats, almonds are also packed with antioxidants that can protect your cells from oxidation and aging. For an antioxidant-rich snack, you can consume and enjoy a bowl of almonds with berries. If you are not in the mood for fruits, maybe grab a cheese crostini filled with almond bacon or similar.
6. Controls cholesterol levels
Natual ingredient for lowering your cholesterol, almonds are one of the best foods to maintain the levels of cholesterol in your body. A handful of almonds can lower ‘bad’ cholesterol levels keeping you healthy and active. Easily available and convenient for a snack, you can throw a pack of almonds in your car for snacking on-the-go too.
7. Maintains blood pressure
Besides proteins and healthy fats, almonds are also rich in magnesium which can help lower blood pressure if you are suffering from it. Developing a low level of magnesium can lead to severe risks for high blood pressure which can very unhealthy. Consuming almonds on a daily basis can reduce the risks. So, go ahead and add a few almonds to your diet or meal that can affirmatively protect you.
8. Helps in managing weight
Low in carbohydrates, having almonds as a mid-morning snack can leave you feeling full for some time. This way, your appetite remains low which can help in losing weight. It depends on the quantity of almonds you consume. However, you are sure to feel less tempted to seek any other snack.
9. Reduces risks of diabetes
If you start your day rightly with a bowl of healthy cereal sprinkled with almonds, you are heading on a healthy track. Consuming almonds during breakfast can slow down the absorption of carbohydrates in the cereals which is quite beneficial. It lowers the risks for developing high blood sugar or diabetes which can be avoided from the protein and fats in almonds. So, make sure you include almonds in your breakfast routine.
10. Keeps you full
High and rich in protein, almonds help in keeping you full and satisfied all day long. One of the best healthy source of calcium, vitamin A and E, this should be your go-to snack at all times when you feel hungry. It contains much of a wealth of nutrients, so it’s time that you up your daily protein intake by sprinkling almonds over a meal or your favorite snack. Bon appetite!
