ALMONDS
The Almond Tree is a type of tree that produces nuts by the same name. Almond trees are native to the Middle Eastern Region. Yet, California produces 80% of the world’s almonds and 100% of the United States’ commercial supply.
Almonds come in two forms, sweet and bitter. Sweet almonds have hardly any carbohydrates, which provide a healthy choice for low-carbohydrate dieters or diabetics. Sweet almonds are used to make almond butter, spreads, and milk which is a good substitute for soymilk. The oil of a sweet almond is also widely used in alternative medicine. Bitter almonds contain about half of the fixed oil that sweet almonds have.
Almonds contain about 54% oil. That oil is made up of 78% mono-unsaturated oleic acid, an omega-9 fat, and 17% omega-6 polyunsaturated essential fatty acid. Almonds are the most nutritionally dense nut. A handful (160 calories) of almonds is a great source of vitamin E and Magnesium and a good source of fiber. It also has heart healthy monounsaturated fat, protein, potassium, calcium, phosphorous and iron. Studies show that eating a handful a day will actually lower bad cholesterol or LDL. Almonds contain an abundance of antioxidants which assist in improving lung function, preventing respiratory disease, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
One ounce of almonds has no cholesterol and contains 12 % of your daily allowance of protein. An ounce of almonds is the equivalent of a ¼ cup of milk in regards to calcium. They are the best whole food source of Vitamin E and most of the fat in almonds is monounsaturated or “good” fat.
In addition to these benefits, consumption of almonds is shown to contribute to protecting against cardiovascular disease and cancer, and maintaining a healthy weight. A Loma Linda School of Public Health study revealed that those who consumed nuts 5 times per week had a 50% less risk of suffering a heart attack.
References:
1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Almond
2) http:www.nutsforalmonds.com/nutrition.htm
3) http://www.almondbrothers.com/pages/almond-facts-and-health-tips.php
No comments:
Post a Comment