The scientific name of the almond is Prunus dulcis. Almond is the tree of the rose family. It is an edible seed. Almond is cultivated worldwide for its seed. Almond is native to South Western Asia. This almond tree is an economically important crop tree grown primarily in Mediterranean climates. California produces nearly 80 percent of 100 world’s supply. Almonds originated in western Asia and China. Almonds are native to Asia the Pacific, Seychelles, and Australia. Spain and the USA are the leading producers of almonds globally. These countries offer the best almonds of different sizes that would attract the eye of many customers.
Color: Almond is a buttery shade of light brown color. Almond skin has a tone that ranges from a darker tan shade to a shade of brown.
Size: The almonds are of a size not less than 28/64 of an inch in thickness. It’s weightier than ivory, rosier than beige, and lighter than tan.
Shape: Almonds have an oval shape usually pointed at one or both ends.
Flavor: Crunchy, savory, or sweet taste. Sometimes it is slightly bitter or semi-bitter.
Nutrients
Almonds are very beneficial and important for the human body as they are fully packed with nutrients. Almonds are perfectly edible. Almonds are rich in minerals but their most important source is of vitamins, protein, and fiber.
One cup, one ounce or 28 g, serving of almonds containing the following nutrients content:
- Calories 164
- Carbohydrates 6 g
- Fibe: 3.5 g
- Protein 6 g
- Fats 14 g
- Magnesium 18% of the daily value
- Vitamin E 48% of the daily value
- Manganese 27% of the daily value
- A decent amount of copper, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), and phosphorus is also present in it.
How to grow almonds? |
Healthy Benefits of Almonds
Almonds are incredibly nutritious and easy to enjoy in a different number of recipes. Almonds help to manage your body weight.
High in vitamin E
Vitamin A is a family of fat-soluble antioxidants. The antioxidants are present in the structure of cell membrane in your body, help to protect the cells from oxidative damage. Almonds are the world’s best source of vitamin E. Almonds are also high in phytic acid, a substance that binds certain minerals and prevents them from being absorbed by the body.
Assist the blood sugar level
Almonds have a remarkable amount of magnesium. Magnesium is a basic mineral involved in more than 300 bodily processes and in blood sugar management. Magnesium is also linked with the reduction in insulin resistant among people with and without disease.
Loaded with antioxidants
The powerful antioxidants are present in the brown layer of their skin. Antioxidants help to protect against oxidative stress, which can damage the molecules in your cells and contribute to inflammation, aging, and certain diseases like cancer. Almonds with the skin removed have less antioxidant capacity, this means that they do not offer the same anti-inflammatory properties.
Reduces hunger
Almonds are loaded with fiber and protein. Both are known to reduce the hunger and increase the feeling of fullness.
Helps in reducing weight loss
The human body does not absorb about 6% of the calories in nuts. Some studies suggest that eating nuts can boost metabolism slightly. Almonds also showed an improvement in waist circumference and other health markers. Almonds are high in calories. They are good to eat as snacks.
Regulate blood pressure
The magnesium in almonds may also help lower blood pressure levels. High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of heart attack, strokes, and kidney failure. A deficiency in magnesium is strongly linked with high blood pressure.
Lower cholesterol levels
High levels of low-density lipoprotein in your body also known as bad cholesterol is a well-known risk factor for heart disease. Your diet can have major effects on LDL levels. Some studies have suggested that almonds may be effective in lowering LDL.
FAQ
What are the health benefits of almonds?
Because they are nutrient-rich, almonds are extremely necessary and useful to the human body. Nuts like almonds are very edible. Although almonds are a great source of nutrients, vitamins, protein, and fiber are what make them so valuable. Almonds are good for your health since they lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
How many almonds should I eat per day?
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans prescribe an optimal daily amount of 1 ounce or roughly 23 almond nuts. If you’re not much of a counter, consider it a snack in the form of a handful. Keep in mind that moderation is vital.