Nuts that almost everyone knows. Almonds are not among inaccessible foods and you can afford them too. You might be surprised, but almonds ranked first in the BBC list of the healthiest foods.
Many people eat roasted almonds, but they have many more benefits when consumed raw. Nuts generally contain fats, but these are either polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats, and many nuts have a high content of omega-3 fatty acids, which protect the heart and arteries. They are also good sources of minerals such as iron, potassium, and magnesium.
Besides other beneficial things that other nuts have, almonds also contain copper and manganese. These substances are needed in trace amounts. Copper is essential for the formation of red blood cells and acts as a catalyst for the storage and release of iron. It also helps the body produce collagen, which keeps skin, bones, cartilage, and tendons flexible. Manganese is necessary for normal bone structure and for glucose metabolism. It helps the body break down carbohydrates and fats into fuel and may also act as an antioxidant.
Almonds are also rich in riboflavin or vitamin B2, which is necessary for growth and tissue repair. Raw almonds also reduce the risk of gallstones and can help people maintain a healthy weight. Almonds have a high content of vitamin E, which helps support heart health, protects against cataracts and cervical cancer, and strengthens the immune system. Some doctors believe that vitamin E may help with Parkinson's disease. They are cholesterol-free and have a low glycemic index, which means that after eating them, they do not flood the bloodstream with glucose. This means they are beneficial for people with diabetes and can also protect against diabetes.
However, it should be mentioned that almonds are not suitable for everyone. People suffering from intolerance should rather avoid them. They can cause an allergic reaction or anaphylactic shock.
After purchase, almonds should be soaked and placed in the refrigerator. Proper storage ensures longer shelf life. Almonds can be incorporated into various recipes such as salads, desserts, or combined with beans. You can also enjoy them without other ingredients, just while watching TV.
