Almonds – Health Benefits

Do you know how beneficial almonds are for your health? Almonds are my favorite nut. Most mornings I add a handful to my breakfast, since they are tasty and nutritious.

9 Health Benefits of Almonds

1. They reduce heart attack risk

Those who consume nuts five times a week have about a 50 percent reduction in risk of heart attack according to the Loma Linda School of Public Health.

2. They lower “bad” cholesterol

Almonds added to the diet have a favorable effect on blood cholesterol levels, according to a clinical study by Dr. Gene Spiller, Director of the Health Research and Studies Center, Inc.

3. They protects artery walls from damage

It was found that the flavonoids in almond skins work in synergy with the vitamin E, thus reducing the risk of heart disease (Research at Tufts University).

4. Almonds help build strong bones and teeth

The phosphorus in almonds helps make this possible.

5. They provide healthy fats and aid in weight loss

Although nuts are high in fat, frequent nut eaters are thinner on average than those who almost never consume nuts. (Data from the Nurses’ Health Study) Those who ate nuts at least two times per week were 31 percent less likely to gain weight than were those who never or seldom ate them in a study involving 8,865 adults. (WHFood’s article on almonds)

6. Almonds lower the rise in blood sugar and insulin after meals

7. They help provide good brain function

Almonds contain riboflavin and L-carnitine, nutrients that boost brain activity and may also reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

8. They nourish the nervous system

According to Ayurveda, almonds help increase high intellectual level and longevity.

9. They alkalize the body

Almonds are the only nut and one of the few proteins that are alkaline forming. When your body is not alkaline enough, you risk osteoporosis, poor immune function, low energy and weight gain.

Source care2.com