Almonds are a widely consumed tree nut, and for good reason. They are packed with numerous health benefits, making them a great addition to your diet. Almonds are rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, protein, and fiber, which help to lower blood pressure and support heart health. They also contain healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals essential for optimal health. Incorporating almonds into your daily diet can be an easy and tasty way to improve your overall well-being.
Here are 15 scientifically proven health benefits of almonds that you may find helpful.
1 Almonds are a highly nutritious food.
Almonds, the delicious seeds of the almond tree, are native to the Middle East and are the world’s leading producer. They are marketed raw or roasted, and their products include almond milk, oil, butter, flour, paste, and marzipan. Almonds have a strong nutritional profile, with a 1-ounce serving providing 3.5 grams of fiber, 6 grams of protein, 14 grams of fat, 48% of the recommended value of vitamin E, 27% of the daily value of manganese, and 18% of the daily value of magnesium, copper, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), and phosphorus.
A modest handful of almonds has 164 calories, 6 grams of carbs, and 3.5 grams of fiber. However, around 6% of almond lipids are inaccessible to digestive enzymes. Almonds also contain phytic acid, which binds to certain minerals and hinders their absorption by the body.
2 Almonds are rich in antioxidants.
Almonds have high levels of antioxidants, which help protect cells from oxidative stress, which can cause inflammation, aging, and diseases like cancer. These antioxidants are concentrated in the dark layer of almond skin; hence, blanched almonds are less effective.
A 2022 study discovered that eating up to 60 grams of almonds per day lowered two major inflammation indicators in the body. Another study indicated that consuming 2 ounces of almonds daily for 12 weeks lowered inflammatory indicators in more than 200 people aged 16 to 25. Overall, almonds are a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect cells from oxidative damage that causes aging and disease.
3 Almonds are high in vitamin E.
Vitamin E is a vital nutrient that acts as a fat-soluble antioxidant, protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. It is an essential nutrient for the body, helping to maintain the proper functioning of various organs. One of the best sources of vitamin E is almonds, which provide 48% of the nutrient’s daily value (DV).
Several studies have indicated that increasing vitamin E intake may lower the incidence of heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s. Vitamin E has been found to enhance immune function, decrease inflammation, and safeguard cells against damage. However, more research is required to confirm these benefits definitively.
As a result, including vitamin E-rich foods, such as almonds, in your diet can help you maintain optimal health and decrease the chances of various health problems.
4 Almonds can assist with blood sugar control.
Nuts include healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making them perfect for people with diabetes. On the other hand, almonds are rich in magnesium, a vital element involved in over 300 biological functions, including blood sugar regulation. It has been found that approximately 25% of individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes have a lack of magnesium in their body.
Consuming sufficient magnesium has been associated with a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes and improved regulation of blood sugar levels. Additionally, magnesium intake may enhance insulin sensitivity, indicating that it can assist in combating insulin resistance. Magnesium-rich foods like almonds could help avoid metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, both severe health concerns.
Almonds are a rich source of magnesium, a mineral that has been shown to offer significant health advantages to individuals with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. In conclusion, consuming almonds can provide a high-quality magnesium source, which may contribute to better health outcomes for people with type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome.
5 Magnesium improves blood pressure.
High blood pressure, a primary cause of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure, is strongly associated with magnesium deficiency. According to meta-analyses, magnesium supplementation can considerably lower blood pressure in high-blood-pressure patients and those with pre-existing chronic conditions. Including one to two servings of almonds in your diet will help you fulfill the daily magnesium requirement, benefiting your health.
6. It can lower cholesterol levels.
Elevated levels of LDLs, which are widely recognized as “bad” cholesterol, can heighten the likelihood of developing heart disease. According to a study that was carried out, it was discovered that ingesting almonds as 20% of your daily calorie intake can diminish LDL cholesterol levels by an average of 9.7 milligrams per deciliter.
Another research found that consuming 1.5 oz of almonds daily can lower LDL cholesterol by 5.3 mg/dL while maintaining HDLs, also known as “good” cholesterol. Participants who consumed almonds also lost abdominal fat. The intake of one or two handfuls of almonds per day can help reduce LDL cholesterol, which may lower the risk of heart disease.
7 Eating almonds helps prevent LDL cholesterol from harmful oxidation.
Almonds not only reduce LDL levels in the blood, but they also protect LDL against oxidation, which is a major contributor to the development of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the constriction of arteries caused by fatty plaque formation, which raises the risk of heart disease.
Almond skin is high in polyphenol antioxidants, which help reduce cholesterol oxidation. Combining almonds with other antioxidants, such as vitamin E, further enhances the effect. A human study discovered that eating almonds for a month decreased oxidized LDL cholesterol levels by 14%, potentially lowering the risk of heart disease. Further research is required to corroborate this.
8 Almonds reduce hunger.
Almonds are a nutritious food high in protein and fiber. They are known to promote the feeling of fullness, which can help reduce overeating. A four-week study has shown that consuming 1.5 ounces of almonds daily can significantly reduce appetite and the desire to eat. Other studies have also demonstrated that nuts, including almonds, can help prevent overeating by keeping the stomach full and satisfying hunger. Therefore, including almonds in your diet can control your appetite and maintain a healthy weight.
9 Almonds can help in losing weight.
Nuts are healthy because of their excellent nutritional value and satiating characteristics. The body does not easily absorb them, and some studies indicate that they can enhance metabolism. Almonds, for example, have been shown to reduce body weight and fat mass, while another study discovered that people who avoided nuts lost more weight than those who did.
However, both trials required individuals to consume low-calorie diets. Despite their high-fat content, almonds are an excellent weight-loss snack. Nuts are high in calories; therefore, moderation is crucial while snacking. While almonds are abundant in calories, they do not appear to cause weight gain. Some studies suggest they can even help with weight loss. Nuts are an excellent addition to a weight loss diet due to their satiating qualities.
10 Almonds and healthy skin
Almonds are known for their skin benefits, including softening and smoothing, reducing aging, and providing antioxidant properties. A 2019 study by the University of California found that postmenopausal women who consumed 20% of their calorie intake from almonds or a similar snack for 16 weeks significantly reduced the severity and width of wrinkles compared to the diet group. This suggests daily almond intake may have anti-aging benefits, such as lowering wrinkle severity and width.
11 Almond Boosts Bone Health
Bone density is essential for overall health because it prevents fractures and lowers the incidence of osteoporosis. Bone absorbs nutrients during development, adolescence, and adulthood, peaking in the late twenties. As we age, our density decreases, particularly in women after menopause, leaving them more vulnerable to osteoporosis. To increase and maintain bone density, ingest foods high in vitamins and minerals, such as almonds, which include micronutrients such as calcium, copper, manganese, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin K.
Regular almond consumption can help prevent bone illnesses such as osteoporosis by decreasing bone loss and fractures while promoting bone growth. Studies have shown that low copper levels are connected with low bone density, but magnesium intake can dramatically enhance bone mineral density. Overall, almonds’ nutrients and vitamins help preserve bone density, promote bone formation, and prevent osteoporosis.
12. Help with gut health.
Good bacteria are necessary for the body’s defense against harmful bacteria, but imbalances can result in the proliferation of toxic bacteria and yeast. Non-digestible prebiotic foods, such as almonds, can feed these beneficial bacteria in the stomach. Consuming finely powdered almonds increases the quantity of helpful gut bacteria, resulting in a healthy gut.
A 2016 experiment including 29 parents and their children discovered that eating almonds improved bacterial composition. The action of almonds is related to their lipid content, which encourages healthy bacterial development. When almonds remain in the digestive system for an extended period, they can act as a prebiotic, boosting the body’s fight against dangerous microorganisms.
13. It can keep your heart healthy.
Almonds are high in critical nutrients, such as excellent fats, low carbs, fiber, and antioxidants, all of which promote heart health. They contain fatty acids such as omega-3, omega-6, oleic acid, and linoleic acid, which aid in cutting bad cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, increasing insulin sensitivity, and losing belly fat.
Almonds’ strong antioxidant content also helps to lower blood pressure, which reduces the risk of heart disease. Aston University in Birmingham discovered that consuming 50 grams of almonds daily for a month raised the level of antioxidants in the bloodstream, benefiting the heart.
A systematic evaluation by Tufts University in Boston discovered that almonds lower the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering blood lipids and body weight. Due to their high macro- and micronutrient content, almonds are an excellent food for heart health.
14. Almonds maintain healthy brain function.
Almonds and nuts can improve brain function, including cognition, learning, memory, and healing. Tree nuts, such as almonds, include critical nutrients such as flavonoids, phytochemicals, vitamin E, vitamin B, protein, and good fatty acids, which can help with age-related brain disorders.
Almonds help create acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter required for message transmission, which can help avoid brain fog and cognitive loss. A 2016 study demonstrated that almonds dramatically improved memory recall in animal models after 28 days of consumption. Almonds can help slow cognitive impairment caused by aging.
15. Benefits of Almonds for Hair
Almonds have high levels of magnesium and biotin, which promote hair development. They are high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which improve health and blood circulation. Regular massages with almond oil promote strong, lustrous, and silky hair.
Almond oil contains antioxidants that protect against environmental stress, soothe scalp irritation, and enhance blood circulation. It also helps to eliminate dandruff by cleansing the scalp and reducing inflammation. In summary, almond oil is good for hair development because it contains vitamin E and fatty acids, which help prevent dandruff and scalp inflammation.
Side Effects of Overeating Almonds
Due to their high fiber content, almonds can cause digestive disorders such as upset stomachs and bloating if consumed excessively. An almond overdose can result in an overabundance of vitamin E, causing diarrhea, fatigue, and blurred eyesight. High levels of manganese, a mineral found in almonds, may interact with some drugs. Furthermore, excessive almond eating can be poisonous because of the hydrocyanic acid contained, resulting in respiratory issues, choking, neurological breakdown, and death.
Conclusion
Almonds are a common allergen and should be avoided due to their allergenic nature. Current studies concentrate on raw almonds, but further research is required. Almonds provide healthful fats, fiber, protein, magnesium, and vitamin E. They also lower blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol, decrease appetite, and promote weight loss.
Link Sources
- https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170567/nutrients
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33371558/
- https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170567/nutrients
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30160617/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27402922/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32412597/
