Almond
Good afternoon, my dear readers! Almond is a plant that grows in China, Central Asia and the mountain slopes of the Mediterranean. It is endowed with incredibly healthy and tasty fruits in the form of small nuts.
These nuts are popular today all over the world, and residents of our state pay special attention to them. Almonds in our country are not just eaten as a separate dish, they are added to all kinds of snacks and desserts.
Medicinal tinctures and decoctions are made from it, and it is used in medicine and cosmetology. Are small, apricot-kernel-flavored overseas nuts really that healthy? Let's figure it out.
Calorie content
It is no secret that almond kernels consist of 5% unsaturated fatty acids - stearic, palmitic, militic and arachidic. In addition, almost 50% of the product is fat.
For these reasons, almonds are not classified as dietary products and, moreover, nutritionists do not recommend them for those losing weight, since 100 grams of nuts contain at least 570-580 calories.
But you should understand that the calorie content is taken per 100 grams of product, and if you eat a small handful of nuts a day - 20-25, then they will not bring any harm to the body and, moreover, will be very useful.
20 almond kernels contain an average of 150 kcal, and at the same time essential amino acids (isoleucine, tryptophan, histidine, etc.), protein and vegetable fats.
Almonds per day
What to cook with almonds
Healthy and rich in vitamins, almond milk is very popular among people with lactose intolerance, vegans and raw foodists.
Almond flour or crumbles are added to the dough to increase the concentration of protein and healthy fat. Many sweets are made from almond mass, from classic marzipan and halva to exquisite creamy fillings for chocolate dough and cakes.
Crushed and whole almonds are added to porridges and salads, and used as a decoration for meat, stewed vegetables and cakes. You can also always take nuts, dried in the oven, with you for a snack. A few grains for second breakfast or afternoon snack will quickly satisfy your hunger, effectively restore your strength and lift your spirits.
How many almonds can you eat per day?
If you are not prone to allergies, experts recommend the daily intake of almonds for adults is no more than 25 nuts per day, for children no more than 15-18 kernels.
It does not matter whether you consume almonds raw or roasted.
By the way, dried almonds are much tastier, and it will take about 5-7 minutes to cook them. For the specified time, keep a glass of nuts in a frying pan without oil or adding a spoonful of olive oil.
Selection and storage
When choosing almonds, it is important to make sure that their shells are not damaged. There should be no “rusty” coating on its surface. The nuts must be the same color and size. The fresh product has a light nutty aroma. Before purchasing, carefully study the composition; it should not contain salt, sugar or preservatives.
Do not leave nuts in an open container. It is recommended to store it in a closed container in a cool place. Almonds can be wrapped in a bag and put in the refrigerator, thereby extending the shelf life of the product to 1 year.
Benefit
The benefits of almonds have long been proven. These small and at first glance not particularly noticeable nuts, when consumed daily, have the following beneficial effects on the body.
1. They serve as an excellent pain reliever and sedative.
2. Strengthen the body, increase its resistance to viruses and infections.
3. They have a rejuvenating and antioxidant effect.
4. They are an excellent choleretic, cleansing and expectorant.
5. Participate in the process of cell renewal and regeneration.
6. Helps strengthen musculoskeletal tissue and joints.
7. Eases migraine attacks.
8. Regulate metabolism and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract in general.
9. Improves mood, helps to quickly overcome stress and depression.
10. Activate brain function.
11. Increase hemoglobin, saturate the blood with an additional portion of oxygen.
12. Normalizes sleep.
13. Maintains normal elasticity of blood vessels and strengthens their walls.
Almond tree nuts are very ; in old age, the biochemical composition of almonds prevents dementia and dementia.
Doctors recommend including almonds in the daily menu for people with visual impairments, stomach ulcers, high acidity, lung diseases, in particular otitis media, anemia, nervous disorders, and type 2 diabetes.
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Macadamia nuts: composition, calorie content, daily dosage, benefits and harms
Almonds for women
The use of nuts in cosmetology
Are almonds good for cosmetic purposes? Without a doubt. Let's look at some simple recipes for cosmetics with almonds.
Cleansing foam
Peel the kernels, crush them and cover with water. For 10 g of nuts, take 100 ml of water. Leave this mixture to brew for 1–1.5 days. Finely grate baby soap or a special soap base, add to the infused almonds and melt in a water bath. Pour into a container convenient for you and use for washing.
Anti-aging masks will help you always look irresistible
A rejuvenating scrub is prepared from 3 tablespoons of ground almonds (can be combined with the hard shell), 2 tablespoons of honey, juice of ¼ orange and mint leaves. All ingredients are mixed and applied to the face with massage movements. After 1-2 minutes of massaging, carefully rinse with warm water.
For greater effect, you can add coffee, honey, citrus juice and various essential oils to cosmetics.
Body mask
This mask helps improve the effect of the diet because it tones and nourishes the skin. To prepare it you will need ground coffee, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, 4-5 tablespoons of almond oil. You can take coffee after drinking, as long as it is without sugar. Apply the resulting mixture to the body with massage movements and rinse after 20 minutes.
Benefits for women
What are the benefits of almonds for the fair half? Let us immediately note that she is incredible. Today, almonds are used not only in medicine and cooking, but also in cosmetology.
In particular, it is based on a large number of different products for removing makeup and cleansing the skin. In addition, almond oil is used to strengthen hair, as well as to care for aging skin that loses its youth.
As part of a wide variety of creams, scrubs and masks, almonds cleanse, nourish, moisturize, rejuvenate the skin, slow down the aging process, restore its elasticity and healthy color.
Among other things, almonds are an excellent antispasmodic remedy. By consuming them daily at the rate established by experts, women can relieve themselves of headaches and migraines, to which they are more likely than men to suffer.
By eating almond kernels every day, every representative of the fairer sex will be able to feel an improvement in the condition of menstruation; during menstruation, almost all unpleasant pain symptoms will disappear.
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Use of almond oil for beauty and health
Almond oil
Almond oil as a cosmetic product deserves special attention. It is obtained by cold pressing from sweet nuts. Oil is applied to eyelashes for their growth and strengthening. Also, pour a small amount into the palm of your hand and lubricate the hair on your head, rubbing it in at the roots and distributing it along the length. Regular care gives them a healthy shine and makes them thicker.
Almond oil has a beneficial effect on the skin: rejuvenates and heals, makes it soft and elastic, evens out color. When taking baths, add a few drops to the water. The reception time is usually limited to 20 minutes. The oil can be used for massage, applied to the body in its pure form, or in combination with cream. It does not irritate the skin and is recommended for massage for young children.
Almond oil is effective for:
- otitis;
- chronic bronchitis;
- bedsores;
- breast tumors;
- constipation;
- chronic gastritis;
- colitis.
For men
Doctors recommend consuming almonds not only for women, but also for men, and this is not without reason. The thing is that eating 10-15 almond seeds daily:
– stabilize the production of male hormones, in particular testosterone;
– improve male strength and potency;
– reduce the risk of developing diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis several times;
– increase sperm motility, improve sperm composition.
Almonds can cause harm if consumed excessively, as they can provoke nausea and even serious poisoning, as well as if they are consumed by men: with cardiac arrhythmia, with rapid heartbeat, with disorders of the nervous system, with severe overexcitation.
In all of these cases, the effect of the disease and its symptoms will only intensify, which in turn can lead to serious consequences.
Can pregnant women eat almonds?
Compound
Compound | Unit change | per 100 g | % of daily value |
BJU, calorie content | |||
Squirrels | G | 21 | 27% |
Fats | G | 50 | 50% |
Carbohydrates | G | 21 | 6% |
Cellulose | G | 12 | — |
Sugar | G | 4 | — |
Calorie content | kcal | 579 | 22% |
Minerals | |||
Calcium, Ca | mg | 269 | 27% |
Iron, Fe | mg | 3,7 | 20% |
Magnesium, Mg | mg | 270 | 67% |
Phosphorus, P | mg | 481 | 48% |
Potassium, K | mg | 733 | 14% |
Sodium | mg | 1 | 0,18% |
Zinc | mg | 3,12 | 3% |
Vitamins | |||
Thiamine, B1 | mg | 0,205 | 13% |
Riboflavin, B2 | mg | 1,138 | 57% |
Niacin, B3 | mg | 3,618 | 22% |
Vitamin B6 | mg | 0,137 | 7% |
Folic acid | mcg | 44 | 22% |
Vitamin E | mg | 25,63 | 170% |
Vitamin A | mcg | 2 | 0,002% |
Fats | |||
Saturated fatty acids | G | 3,802 | — |
Monounsaturated fatty acids | G | 31,551 | — |
Polyunsaturated fatty acids | G | 12,329 | — |
Trans fats | G | 0,015 | — |
The noble almond nut can replace meat because it contains valuable vegetable protein. In addition, it is rich in fiber, amino acids, easily digestible fats and a whole complex of vitamins.
Therefore, by regularly consuming healthy almonds, you can stay healthy and full of energy for a long time:
- Strengthen the musculoskeletal system.
- Regulate the functioning of the heart muscle and improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Restore and increase potency in the stronger sex.
- Balance hormone levels in the body.
- Reduce cholesterol and dissolve cholesterol plaques.
- Remove poisons and toxins, rejuvenate the body, increase immunity.
- Significantly improve the quality of mother's milk.
Regular consumption of almonds allows you to promptly cleanse the intestines of toxins, increase physical activity, relieve fatigue and restore a youthful appearance.
Almonds have long been valued for their excellent vitamin composition; their fruits contain:
- fatty acid,
- vitamins;
- proteins;
- carotenoids;
- flavonoids;
- alimentary fiber;
- microelements.
The kernels of this tree themselves are quite high in calories - 100 grams of raw nuts contain about 590 kilocalories.
- Almonds have a strong and widespread root system, which allows it to grow on the most inconvenient terrain and loose soils. This feature of the plant allows you to strengthen the soil on slopes and ravines.
- Experienced breeders and amateur gardeners use the plant as grafting for peaches and apricots in order to develop new varieties.
- Almond bushes are used as decorative decoration in parks, squares and alleys.
- Blooming almonds are an excellent honey plant. Professional beekeepers and beekeepers prefer to have plantings of this plant near their hives.
- The plant has valuable wood that is used to make furniture.
- Almond essential oils are used in medicine, cooking, the confectionery industry and cosmetology.
- Waste after plant processing is used in livestock farming as animal feed.
The composition of the king nut includes essential fatty acids, high-quality absorbable protein, unsaturated fats, vitamins - E, A, PP, C, group B. The main component of the kernel is fatty oil, the content of which varies from 35 to 62%.
The beneficial properties are due to the high content of various minerals - calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, iron. The kernel contains essential oil (about 0.8%), which gives the nut a special aroma. The calorie content of raw almonds is 579 Kcal/100 g.
Almonds are an alternative source of animal protein containing minerals and vitamins.
Beneficial features:
- Reducing blood cholesterol levels;
- Prevention of cancer;
- Normalization of gastric acidity;
- Treatment and prevention of gastrointestinal diseases (gastritis, ulcers);
- Remedy for headaches, migraines;
- Anticonvulsant effect;
- Treatment of anemia, anemia, cough.
For men
Men who reach 30 years of age suffer from decreased testosterone levels. Almonds take an active part in the production of male hormones. The amino acid arginine included in the composition increases libido.
The zinc and selenium contained in it contribute to the formation of sexual desire in men. Their insufficient content in the body leads to loss of interest in intimate life and an increased risk of developing prostatitis.
For women
Almonds normalize hormonal levels and help eliminate problems with the menstrual cycle. Eating nuts during menstruation can reduce discomfort or pain.
Vitamin E, a non-enzymatic antioxidant (tocopherol), stops premature aging, which is especially important for women.
Vitamin E included in the composition reduces the likelihood of spontaneous abortion. Minerals (magnesium, phosphorus, iron) and folic acid contribute to the proper development of the fetus. The inclusion of fiber prevents the occurrence of problems with the gastrointestinal tract.
Almonds are recommended for breastfeeding. They help overcome fatigue, prevent exhaustion of the body, and are a source of protein necessary during lactation. Almonds contain fluoride and calcium, which are beneficial for the development of the baby.
When losing weight
Almonds are a high-calorie product, so consumption is permissible in moderate doses. Regular use of it will not solve the problem of excess weight. However, you can include the nut in your diet when losing weight by adding 3-4 crushed kernels to salads or kefir.
Almonds and almond oil are widely used in cosmetology and aesthetic medicine. Vitamins A and E prevent premature aging, optimize the functioning of the sebaceous glands and launch regeneration processes.
Cosmetic products containing almonds increase skin tone and elasticity, relieve inflammation, moisturize tissues and normalize water-fat balance. Scrubs, creams and lotions with the addition of nuts smooth out wrinkles, eliminate flaking and improve skin color.
Shampoos, masks and balms with almond oil nourish and strengthen hair, help restore its structure. Based on it, special products are being developed to cope with dandruff or baldness.
Can pregnant women eat almonds?
Almonds are not contraindicated for pregnant women, but their consumption should be treated with caution and not overused.
It is important to take into account the fact that during pregnancy a woman’s body works differently than without a fetus inside, and therefore, even products familiar to her, which are beneficial in everyday life, can now be not only unnecessary, but also dangerous, both for her health, and for the health of her unborn baby.
Pregnant women can normally consume almonds no more than 10 nuts per day.
In this case, the product will be very useful. He:
– enriches the woman’s body with essential vitamins and minerals;
– will promote the beauty of hair and skin;
– normalizes digestion and restores improper functioning of the digestive tract in case of problems with it.
Among other things, almonds will be very useful for the baby. Thanks to its healing composition, it will allow the child in the womb to develop correctly and quickly.
How to eat nuts correctly
The usefulness of almonds is due to the rich content of proteins, vegetable fats, vitamins and microelements. Each stone fruit contains a huge supply of nutrients that its seed needs for germination, rooting and further development. The amino acids in nuts support brain activity and improve immunity.
The fats contained in almonds promote the absorption of vitamins A, B and E, supplied along with other foods. Fatty acids improve the functioning of blood vessels, making them elastic. This eliminates the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Vitamins E and A act as natural antioxidants and help women maintain youth and beauty. They support healthy skin and hair. When used correctly, they reduce the symptoms of psoriasis and dermatitis.
Considering the presence of minerals and a low glycemic index (25 units), we can confidently talk about the benefits of the nut for diabetes. The following microelements are of particular importance:
- Calcium accumulates in tooth enamel and bones, maintaining the strength and stability of these structures.
- Magnesium is an element involved in the conduction of nerve impulses. Important for women during the postpartum and menopausal periods.
- Phosphorus is needed for the growth and health of bone and dental tissues.
- Iron – ensures hematopoietic function and prevents the development of anemia.
- Potassium – regulates the balance of fluids at the cellular and intercellular levels. Delays salt deposition.
Another useful substance that enters the human body when eating almonds is arginine. It regulates weight, increases potency, controls blood sugar. All these properties are preserved only in raw (not fried) kernels.
If anyone doesn’t know, then almonds should be consumed without the shell. There are special devices for cracking nuts. Although more and more often in stores you can find kernels without shells. If a person does not plan to eat them right away, then it is better to buy those in the peel. They are more unpretentious in storage.
Before you eat nuts, you need to remember that they are a high-calorie product. This feature is due to the large amount of fats in their composition. Although the presence of fiber softens the situation a little. You should not overuse nut kernels. Otherwise, they may be deposited on the waist.
The daily norm is 20 grams (15-20 pieces), this is more than enough to enjoy the taste, satisfy hunger and enrich your body with vital substances. It is better to eat the kernels raw and peeled, or dried, without frying or flavoring them with salt or sugar. There are a number of reasons for this.
Heat treatment using oil increases the calorie content of almonds, and sometimes destroys beneficial substances. Sugar and salt retain water and cause swelling.
Before use, the nut is peeled and soaked overnight in cool water. After this procedure, the almonds are easily freed from the husks. Inhibitors that slow down the process of grain germination also dissolve. Due to this, nutrients are completely absorbed by the human body.
Although this fruit is a healthy product, like others, it has contraindications. Individual intolerance is the main factor (allergy). The use of this product is not recommended for overweight people. This is due to its high calorie content.
If you have a low heart rate and thyroid disease, you should be careful about eating almonds. Consumption of unripe nuts is contraindicated - there is a strong risk of cyanide poisoning (lots of hydrocyanic acid).
The healing qualities of almond kernels were widely used by medieval healers - the Arabs. They were crushed and used to treat urological and intestinal diseases. They believed that almonds attracted prosperity, health and wealth to the home. These nuts have a lot of plant protein, vitamins and minerals.
- Medicine uses kernels for the following purposes:
- prevention of malignant neoplasms;
- reduction of cholesterol plaques in blood vessels;
- treatment of gastritis and stomach ulcers;
- normalization of stomach acidity;
- treatment of anemia, cough, anemia, headaches and migraines;
- prevention of seizures;
- removal of toxins and various poisons;
- strengthening bone tissue;
- decreased blood sugar;
- improved vision;
- treatment of urolithiasis;
- improving potency and rejuvenating the body;
- in women, normalization of hormonal balance, improvement of skin and hair condition, prevention of aging;
- prevention of cardiovascular diseases, to reduce the risk of heart attack.
Almonds are recommended for high mental stress, as they improve brain activity and prevent senile dementia. It slows down the process of brain degeneration in older people. The use of almonds by children promotes their healthy growth.
Important! When treating stomach ulcers or gastritis, eat ten kernels 3 times a day for three days, subsequently reducing the dose to fifteen tonsils per day.
Bitter almonds are richer in nutrients than sweet almonds. It is used for treatment. Almond oil is prepared from a bitter variety that is inedible. For medicinal purposes, this type of nut is used in traditional medicine (scientific - only for laxative purposes).
The increased content of tocopherol makes it indispensable in the treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system, cleanses the liver, and is used in urology. It is a general tonic, therefore recommended for use in the postoperative period or for chronic diseases.
- Almond oil has the following properties:
- expectorant;
- painkiller;
- normalizes stomach function;
- reducing gas formation;
- antiputrefactive;
- sedative;
- anti-inflammatory.
Almonds are an excellent remedy for normalizing male hormonal balance. It is used for low testosterone, as it actively participates in its production. Arginine, an amino acid contained in it, serves as a libido-increasing agent. Almonds are recommended for use by men over 30 years old to increase male strength, libido and prevent prostatitis.
In women, consuming almonds normalizes hormone levels and reduces pain during menstruation. A high content of vitamin E slows down aging. Its use is also useful for pregnant women, for the proper development of the fetus and during breastfeeding.
Strengthens or weakens
The fiber contained in almonds has a laxative effect. In addition to improving the functioning of the digestive system, it rids the body of harmful toxins. The body assimilates almond kernels well, without increased gas formation. With their help, metabolic processes are stabilized.
For constipation, the recommended dose of almonds is about 60 g per day. To facilitate bowel movements, not only the kernels are used, but also almond milk or oil. Drink milk in the evening and in the morning, no more than 2 glasses. 1 or 2 tablespoons of oil helps solve the problem of constipation. In its pure form it is used as a salad dressing.
Are almonds good for cosmetic purposes? Without a doubt. Let's look at some simple recipes for cosmetics with almonds.
Cleansing foam
Peel the kernels, crush them and cover with water. For 10 g of nuts, take 100 ml of water. Leave this mixture to brew for 1–1.5 days. Finely grate baby soap or a special soap base, add to the infused almonds and melt in a water bath. Pour into a container convenient for you and use for washing.
Anti-aging masks will help you always look irresistible
A rejuvenating scrub is prepared from 3 tablespoons of ground almonds (can be combined with the hard shell), 2 tablespoons of honey, juice of ¼ orange and mint leaves. All ingredients are mixed and applied to the face with massage movements. After 1-2 minutes of massaging, carefully rinse with warm water.
For greater effect, you can add coffee, honey, citrus juice and various essential oils to cosmetics.
Body mask
This mask helps improve the effect of the diet because it tones and nourishes the skin. To prepare it you will need ground coffee, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, 4-5 tablespoons of almond oil. You can take coffee after drinking, as long as it is without sugar. Apply the resulting mixture to the body with massage movements and rinse after 20 minutes.
How to store almonds at home?
How to store peeled almonds?
Nuts should be stored in a tightly sealed glass jar or plastic container with a lid.
You can also store the purified product in a tight plastic bag with a special clip for closing. In this case, one container or bag should contain only one type of nuts, there should be no mixtures.
The container with the product should be placed in a cool place, in winter it could be a pantry on the balcony, in summer it could be a refrigerator or freezer.
For storage, it is best to choose peeled nuts that have not been subjected to any processing, that is, raw. It is not recommended to store kernels in a room or at room temperature, for example, in a kitchen drawer; after a month or two, the product may not only lose its beneficial properties, but also acquire a bitter taste.
The shelf life of peeled almonds is 6 months in the refrigerator or other cold place, and 1 year in the freezer.
How to store unshelled almonds?
Storage conditions for unpeeled almonds are as follows:
1. Closed box or jar.
2. Humidity no more than 75%.
3. A dark place without direct sunlight.
The temperature is not lower than 15 degrees and not higher than 18 degrees. It is important to understand that the colder it is, the longer the almonds will be stored; in the heat, the nuts can quickly become moldy and begin to taste bitter.
Unshelled almonds can be stored under the specified conditions for 12 months; it is not worth storing any more nuts, and it is not worth it at all; it is better to buy fewer of them, consume them within a year and then buy products from a new harvest.
How to choose when purchasing
Only high-quality almonds bring benefits to the body. Peeled fruits are evaluated externally according to several criteria:
- the kernels have no foreign odor;
- brown skin without spots or mold;
- nuts are evenly shaped without cracks.
If you purchase almonds in shell, pay attention to its integrity. One batch should contain fruits of the same size.
Advice! Buy shelled nuts in bags from supermarkets or specialty stores and keep your receipt. See the expiration date on the packaging.
Almonds: contraindications
1. Scientists have found that a large amount of almonds eaten at a time can lead to poisoning, cause indigestion and provoke headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
2. Excessive consumption of almond kernels can cause allergies even in those people who are not at all prone to such reactions.
3. People with: dermatitis, tachycardia, obesity should exclude almonds from the menu altogether.
4. Unripe nuts that leave a bitter taste on the tongue are especially harmful to the body; they can cause serious poisoning.
Remember! Despite all the benefits, medicinal properties and indispensability of almonds for the human body, if you do not want to harm yourself and your own health, you cannot consume this product above the established daily norm, which is one handful out of 20, maximum 25 nuts per day.
To get the maximum benefit from almonds, do not abuse the established norms and rules for their consumption.
Helpful advice! Store almonds in a dry, dark place away from sunlight and excessive humidity. If possible, purchase fruits in shells and dry them before eating.