Almonds are packed with vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber, and are associated with a number of health benefits. Just a handful of almonds — approximately 1 ounce — contain one-eighth of our daily protein needs.
Almonds may be eaten on their own, raw, or toasted; they are available sliced, flaked, slivered, as flour, oil, butter, or almond milk.
Almonds are, in fact, seeds; they are a "drupe" and are therefore not considered a true nut.
Almond trees are believed to have been one of the earliest trees to have been domesticated. Evidence of domesticated almond trees dating to 3000-2000 BC have been unearthed in Jordan.
The health benefits of almonds have been documented for centuries, and modern research backs up some of these claims - there any many goods reasons to include them in your diet.
Fast facts on almonds
Here are some key points about almonds. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.
Almonds are not, in fact, a true nut.
The almond is a species of tree native to India, North Africa, and the Middle East.
Wild almonds contain a powerful toxin.
Some evidence suggests that almonds can lower cholesterol levels.
Almonds were first domesticated thousands of years ago.
Benefits of almonds
There are a number of potential health benefits associated with almonds.
1) Almonds and cholesterol
A study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association suggests that consuming almonds increases vitamin E levels in the plasma and red blood cells, and also lowers cholesterol levels.
One of the study's authors said:
"This study is important because it shows that eating almonds can significantly boost levels of vitamin E in the diet and bloodstream. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that defends your cells against damage on a daily basis and prevents artery-clogging oxidation of cholesterol. Eating a handful of almonds a day is a great way to get the vitamin E your body needs to stay healthy."
Ella Haddad, DrPH, RD, Loma Linda University, CA
2) Almonds and cancer risk
Pile of almonds
Almonds could potentially reduce cancer risk.
A study, published in 2015 in Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation, looked at nut consumption and cancer risk.
They found that individuals who consumed higher quantities of peanuts, walnuts, and almonds had their risk of breast cancer reduced by 2–3 times.
The authors concluded that "peanuts, walnuts, and almonds appear to be a protective factor for the development of breast cancer."
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/269468.php
