You’re about to be surprised at the benefits of almonds and how many there are. Almonds are crammed with nutrition and if you like eating nuts, almonds are probably on top of the list. Even though they are high in fat, it’s still extremely healthy.
So, let’s look at the benefits of almonds that were unknown to you till now:
Rich Source of Nutrients
Almonds contain fiber, protein, healthy fats, vitamin E, manganese, magnesium, copper, vitamin B12 and phosphorus. These benefits of almonds are present in every little nut and a handful contains only about 150 calories. Also, almost 15% of almond calories can’t be absorbed by your body, which further reduces the overall calorie count.
Rich Source of Antioxidants
Almonds are also a great source of antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect against oxidative stress. Oxidative stress contributes to cells damage, which expedites the aging process and makes you prone to diseases, such as cancer. The antioxidants actually lie in the brown skin of almonds, so make sure you eat them whole instead of blanching them.
Rich Source of Vitamin E
Vitamin E is actually a group of antioxidants that are fat soluble. It builds up in cell membranes and protects the cell from oxidative damage. Eating one serving of almonds will actually fulfill 37% of your daily vitamin E requirement. It also keeps your hair, skin and nails healthy and radiant. Vitamin E is also known to lower risk of heart related diseases, cancer and Alzheimer’s.
Helps Control Blood Sugar
Almonds contain few carbohydrates but are rich in healthy fats, fiber and protein. This makes it an excellent food source for people suffering from diabetes. Almonds also contain lots of magnesium which is also known to aid blood sugar control. Two servings of almonds will fulfill half your daily recommended intake of magnesium. Studies show most diabetics are magnesium deficient and fulfilling this deficiency improved their blood sugar levels and the function of insulin.
Regulates Blood Pressure
The magnesium benefits of almonds not only improve blood sugar levels, but also help control blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to severe conditions, such as heart attack, stroke and even kidney failure. Magnesium deficiency is strongly correlated with blood pressure problems and fixing this deficiency can considerably improve blood pressure.
Lowers Calorie Intake
Since almonds are high in protein and fiber, it will increase satiety or a feeling of fullness. When you feel full, you are less inclined to reach out for junk foods out of impulse. Also, protein digests slowly, so you will stay full for longer. Substituting a high calorie snack with one serving of unroasted and unsalted almonds will effectively reduce your overall calorie intake.
Effective for Weight Loss
All the above benefits of almonds will promote a healthy lifestyle, plus it will aid weight loss. The nutrients present in almonds are hard for your body to break down for digestion, which means a lot of calories aren’t being absorbed and your metabolism is working harder. So, in essence, you are actually burning calories as your body works hard to digest this amazing nut.
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