Almonds are a popular, well-known and incredibly versatile tree nut that is great as a stand-alone snack or as an ingredient in a more complex dish.
We should probably start with the very important fact that almonds are not actually nuts. They are actually the seed of the fruit of the almond tree. Like cherry, peach and plum, this fruit is a stone fruit that has a fleshy fruit on the outside and a pit on the inside.
Obviously, the demand for almonds has grown significantly over the past 30 years, but why has this happened? The answer lies in the health benefits of the nut itself and the products it is currently used for. Let’s dive a little deeper.
7 health benefits of almonds
Almonds have all the health benefits you would expect from most nuts, including the vitamins and nutrients you need for a healthy and balanced diet. Let’s take a look at how you help your body when you eat almonds:
1. Almonds are rich in nutrients. A serving of almonds contains a healthy dose of monounsaturated fat, fiber, protein, vitamin E, manganese and magnesium.
- Vitamin E
Vitamin E contributes to organ function, vision, reproduction, and the health of blood and skin. Vitamin E is also a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from harmful free radicals that play a role in heart diseases and cancer.
- Magnesium
Magnesium deficiency is linked to depression, fatigue, high blood pressure and heart disease and can be completely avoided – just one serving of almonds provides 20% of a person’s daily value.
- Manganese
Manganese is needed by the body for bone formation, connective tissue, production of hormones and blood clotting factors. Without manganese in their diets, people can experience infertility, reduced bone growth, and seizures.
2. They are a convenient source of antioxidants. Antioxidants are an important part of your diet as they protect our bodies from oxidative stress, which causes cellular damage that can lead to aging, inflammation, and various diseases such as cancer.
3. They can be used to control diabetes because it can regulate blood glucose and cholesterol levels. They are low in carbohydrates but high in healthy fats, proteins and fiber, making them an ideal choice for those with diabetes.
4. We tend to avoid foods high in fat, but not all fats are the same. While saturated fat from animal sources can block arteries and lead to heart disease, unsaturated fat from plant sources can actually help lower cholesterol and keep your heart healthy.
5. Almonds are rich in fiber. Fiber is arguably one of the most unappreciated nutrients in helping improve digestion and reduce the risk of diabetes, heart diseases, and cancer.
6. The use of almond oil is recognized for its effectiveness in treating skin problems such as dark circles, wrinkles, blackheads, dry skin or acne. The oil is an essential ingredient in many massage oils because it makes the skin tender and soft.
7. Almonds contain phenylanine and riboflavin, which significantly improve neurological function by increasing brain concentration.
Almonds: contraindications
If the dosage is exceeded, almonds, in addition to benefits, will also bring harm. He is able to cause obesity, provoke dizziness, fainting, and increase heart rate.
The calorie content of nuts is quite high (about 600 kilocalories). Therefore, you should not get too carried away with the product. The daily dose for men should be up to 50 grams (10 kernels), and for women and children – 20-30 grams (5-7 nuts).
How to store almonds at home?
Almonds can be stored in their shell, out of the shell, at room temperature, in the refrigerator or even in the freezer, depending on the shelf life. Usually, nuts are stored in the shell for a little longer. Whichever method of storage you choose, be sure to pack the almonds in an airtight container and keep them away from strong odors, as almonds absorb harsh odors and tastes very easily.
Homemade almond milk
You may have already tried store-bought almond milk, but did you know that you can easily prepare it in your home kitchen without unnecessary additives? It will also help you save some money. Here’s an example of a simple recipe for homemade almond milk.
Let the almonds soak in 500 ml of water overnight; it should be completely covered with water. Leave them on for 24 hours if you can, it will be much better. Remove the almonds from the water and leave in a blender with 350 ml of fresh water. Add sweetener – maple syrup or honey. You can also add some cinnamon, finely grated lemon zest, and grated nutmeg.Mix everything in a blender on high speed for about 3 minutes. Later, you can turn off the blender and add another 450 ml of water. Now is the time to check if the milk is sweet enough, if not – add a little honey. Stir everything again for a minute at full speed.
Later, you will need a strainer and a few strips of gauze. Pass the whole mixture through this cheesecloth and wait until it shrinks well. This liquid is a tasty and stable almond milk.
This milk can be used in a variety of recipes such as chia pudding, milk porridge, oatmeal, or it can be bottled and kept in the refrigerator for several days. The leftover pulp can be eaten because it is delicious.