ALMOND BENEFITS

Raw almond nuts are rich in vitamin E, calcium, magnesium and fiber. Bitter almonds are used for almond oil and it is this oil which is famously used in the liqueur Amaretto. Almonds are thought to originally come from the regions of western Asia and North Africa; they are an ancient food which has been eaten since ancient Greek and Roman times. Almonds are now typically cultivated in the Mediterranean countries and also in Spain, Italy, Portugal, Morocco and also in the American state of California.Roasted almonds are slightly harder in texture than natural almonds because the dry-roasting process removes some of the moisture. Natural almonds are better for baking and cooking.

You can create delicious milk shakes by blending almond milk with frozen fruits.

Almonds contain protein and help to prevent diseases such as gallstones, type 1 diabetes, colon cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, cholesterol and aid weight loss. They are a good source of manganese, copper and vitamin B2 which help to fight against the health damaging free radicals and increase oxygen-based energy production which promotes the antioxidant molecule, glutathione. The flavonoids in the skin of the almonds, together with the vitamin E which is in the flesh of the nut, make almonds when eaten with the skin on, an extremely powerful antioxidant food with a double whammy effect.


BENEFITS

• Good source of protein and minerals especially for vegetarians

• Contains the anti-cancer agent leatril

• Very alkaline

• Excellent source of vitamin E and B vitamins thiamine and niacin

DISADVANTAGES

• Immature almonds can contain cyanide-producing compounds

• High in calories

• Some people may have an allergic reaction

Nutrition Information

• Shelled Almonds are a vitamin E-rich food; because of their skins, they are even higher in vitamin E than blanched almonds. One ounce (about 20-25 almonds) provides 35% of the daily value for vitamin E.• Almonds are also high in protein, having as much protein, ounce for ounce, as red meat, but without the cholesterol.

• Dietary fibre

• Folic acid

• Magnesium

• Phosphorus

• Potassium

• Tryptophan

• Vitamin E

• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

• Vitamin B3

• Zinc

• calcium