Almond

The obsession with almonds can be traced way back to 1400 B.C., when the nuts were mentioned in the Bible. Later, almond trees took root in modern-day Spain, Morocco, Greece, and Israel, and eventually, almond trees found a home in California. But it wasn’t until the 20th century that the California almond industry blossomed. Today, almonds grow on over half a million acres and are the state’s top agricultural export. 

If you were to look at an almond on the tree, it’d appear nothing like you’re used to seeing in your salads and trail mix. Almonds have a hard, green shell, which cracks open right before harvest. After harvest, they’re dried, and the shell and hull are removed. That’s when they look like the little brown almonds you know and love.

Today, you can buy almonds in various forms: whole, sliced, slivered, or chopped, or as almond flour, milk, paste, or oil. Each is uniquely delicious in its own right, and all are good for us.

Benefits:

1.Help digestion: Almonds are a great source of fiber. Eating a handful of almonds or drinking a glass of almond milk can keep your gastrointestinal tract moving and prevent constipation . Almonds can also promote healthy bacteria in your gut. This can help you digest your food and even fight off illness.

2.Protect from heart disease:  It is high in vitamin E are linked with lower rates of heart disease. Try snacking on a handful of almonds or whipping up a heart-healthy salad for lunch..

3. Regulate obesity: AEliminate craving: Their salty crunch is known to squelch cravings

4.Promote healthy cell: Not only are almonds packed with healthy fats and protein, but they’re also rich in antioxidants. These plant compounds can protect your cells from oxidation and premature aging.

5.Lower cholesterol: Almonds are one of the best foods for naturally lowering your bad cholesterol, LDL.

6.Reduce risk of diabetes: Start your day right with a bowl of breakfast cereal sprinkled with almonds. Studies show that eating almonds with your cereal slows down the absorption of the carbohydrates in the cereal, says Bonnie. This buffering effect from the protein and fats in almonds has been proven to lower your risk for developing high blood sugar and diabetes.

7.Lower blood pressure: Almonds are rich in magnesium which can help lower blood pressure. Studies show that having a low magnesium level in your blood can put you at risk for high blood pressure.

8.Keep you full: Almonds are high in plant protein, keeping you full and satisfied all afternoon long. They’re also a healthy source of “calcium, vitamin E, phosphorus, and a wealth of nutrients.

Serving way:

• Chopped almonds in breakfast

• In dessert

• In place of junk food

• Almond sauce

• In salad

• In bread

https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/health-benefits-of-almonds/