Almonds: the benefits and harms of nuts

Almonds have gained great popularity in all countries of the world due to their exquisite taste and a lot of useful properties. They eat a sweet variety of nuts (to be precise – bones), since bitter kernels are toxic to the body. Walnut is often used in cooking, almond oil is used in medicine. But not everyone knows the true benefits and harms of almonds. More on this later.

The chemical composition of almonds

Useful properties of nuts are determined by its rich chemical composition. Almonds contain essential vitamins and minerals, antioxidants. The nut is rich in protein.

Minerals and vitamins in almonds

The nut contains a large amount of vitamins of group B. Having eaten 100 g of the nut, a person receives:

• 60% of the daily dose of vitamin B2;
• 17% – V3;
• 14% – V1.

But almonds are richest in vitamin E. 100 g contains 131% of the daily dose of this useful trace element.

The composition of the nut includes almost all the minerals necessary for the normal functioning of the body:

• manganese;
• copper;
• calcium;
• magnesium;
• phosphorus;
• iron;
• zinc;
• potassium.

The highest content is considered to be manganese – 141% of the daily dose, magnesium – 67%, copper and phosphorus – 50% each.

How much protein is in almonds

The content of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in almonds can be described as 1:1:2. 100 g of nuts contain 21,15 g of protein, the same amount of carbohydrates and about 50 g of fat. For comparison, 1 chicken egg contains 6,2 g of protein. This is equivalent to 25 grams of nuts.

How many calories are in almonds

Almonds are a low-calorie but satisfying food. Just 30 g of nuts is enough to feel full. Rich in fats, it contains a small amount of sugar. Therefore, the nut is useful for everyone who wants to get rid of excess weight.

Calorie 1 pc. almond

Eating 1 nut, a person receives 7,14 kcal. That is, 100 kcal are contained in 14 pcs.

Almond calories per 100 grams

Calorie content of almonds per 100 g is from 580 to 660 kcal. Sources give different data.

Where are the nutrients in almonds

The bulk of the nutrients are in the pulp. The peel, on the contrary, is recommended to be cleaned. It contains most of the phytic acid, a harmful antinutrient.

What is healthier – hazelnuts or almonds

Both hazelnuts and almonds have a beneficial effect on human health. It cannot be said that one of the nuts is definitely healthier. Hazelnuts are recommended for people with diseases of the cardiovascular system:

• arterial hypertension;
• atherosclerosis;
• past heart attacks.

It increases the level of hemoglobin, cleanses the blood of toxins.

Almonds are one of the main sources of protein. It is well absorbed by the body. Useful for the heart, nervous system, bone tissue. The kernels have a wide composition, so it can be called a more versatile nut. But taking hazelnuts is preferable for all people suffering from heart and vascular diseases.

What is useful almonds for the human body

The benefits and harms of almonds for the body are determined by its rich amino acid composition, high content of vitamins B, E and minerals. Below is a list of only the most pronounced beneficial effects:

• strengthens the walls of blood vessels, increases the tone of veins, capillaries and arteries;
• reduces the level of cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins, which contribute to the development of atherosclerosis;
• has antioxidant activity – reduces the negative effect of free radicals on the cells and tissues of the body;
• prevents the appearance of malignant and benign neoplasms;
• promotes the conduction of a nerve impulse, thereby improving brain activity;
• has a sedative effect – soothes, eliminates anxiety;
• promotes the removal of small stones from the genitourinary system;
• has an enveloping effect – protects the walls of the stomach and intestines, due to which it is used to treat gastritis, peptic ulcer;
• when applied externally, it strengthens the hair roots, which is why the kernels are used for baldness;
• almond oil thins phlegm and drains the bronchial tree.

Benefits of almonds for women

The benefits of almonds for the female body are observed both with external and internal use of the nut. It is widely used in cosmetic practice. It nourishes the skin due to the presence of vitamin E and antioxidants. Masks are used by women of mature age to eliminate the signs of aging.

The chemical elements catechins and quercetin, which are also found in the kernels, protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation. They also contribute to the rapid healing of minor cuts or scratches.

Rubbing gruel from almonds into the hair roots reduces the severity of inflammation of the scalp, strengthens the hair follicle.

Almonds should be a constant ingredient in the diet of girls prone to depression, nervousness and psychosis. Due to the large amount of B vitamins in its composition, the nut has a calming property, improves brain function.

Benefits of almonds for men

The benefits and harms of almonds for men are incommensurable. Walnut has a lot of positive effects for the strong half, while bringing a minimum of harm. Due to the widespread bad habits among men (drinking alcohol, smoking), they are more prone to developing heart and vascular diseases. As noted earlier, almond kernels are an effective means of preventing and treating these pathologies.

Taking the nut in moderate doses will help men who hold stressful positions and overwork during the day. The kernels are effective in physical and mental fatigue. The product quickly restores strength to the body.

Almonds with honey for men – a remedy for the prevention of erectile dysfunction.

Benefits of almonds during pregnancy

One of the constituent nuclei is folic acid. This substance is essential for DNA synthesis. A sufficient amount of folic acid ensures the normal growth and development of the baby. This is especially important in the 1st trimester of pregnancy, when the main organs and tissues of the child are formed. Nuclei reduce the risk of congenital malformations of internal organs.

Rubbing almond oil into the skin effectively eliminates stretch marks, makes the skin more elastic. Rubbing the substance with massage movements reduces the severity of edema, which often affects pregnant women. Massage should start from the feet, gradually rising up.

The benefits of almonds for children

The kernels contain a large amount of phosphorus, magnesium and calcium. Because of this, they are very useful for a growing organism. Walnut strengthens bone tissue, improves the quality of teeth and prevents fractures and dislocations.

Almond kernels will help children with weak growth and development. The product improves the performance of the brain, so that the child quickly learns to talk, read, and so on. Walnut also increases the level of hemoglobin in the blood, so it will be useful for children with anemia.

If you give your child 2-3 nuts a week, good sleep and good mood are guaranteed for the whole day. With regular use of almonds, children get less tired after school hours, become more able-bodied. You must first consult with a specialist.

Is it possible to eat almonds while breastfeeding

Previously, the beneficial properties of the nut during pregnancy and for children were mentioned. It also has a beneficial effect on babies. But with almonds while breastfeeding (HB) you should be very careful. After all, nuts are a strong allergen, they can cause severe reactions.

Therefore, almonds with HB can only be eaten in minimal quantities (up to 30 g of nuts per day). Immunologists recommend eating walnuts or pine nuts before this, as they are safer. If the child does not have an allergic reaction, you can try almond kernels.

Application in treatment

The nuclei are widely used for the prevention of various pathologies. They are also effective in the complex therapy of diseases to reduce the severity of symptoms. Most often they are used to treat such pathological conditions:

• disorders of libido and potency;
• inflammation of the pancreas – pancreatitis;
• endocrinological diseases – diabetes mellitus;
• oncological diseases in the early stages;
• overweight.

Almonds for potency

All men over 30 are at risk for developing potency problems. Foods that are high in protein and low in saturated fatty acids help get rid of the problem.

Almond kernels have benefits for people with a lack of testosterone (the main male sex hormone). The product increases its synthesis in the endocrine glands. This is possible due to the presence of zinc, vitamin E and selenium in its composition. Zinc promotes the production of hormones, thereby increasing libido. Selenium improves blood circulation in small vessels, due to which a normal erection occurs.

Almonds for pancreatitis

The benefits and harms of almonds for the body of a patient with pancreatitis are very ambiguous. In the acute period, eating any dishes containing nuts is strictly contraindicated. A large amount of fat in its composition exacerbates inflammation, provokes the development of diarrhea.

The nuclei have a pronounced choleretic effect, which is also dangerous in the acute period. The presence of coarse dietary fiber helps to thin the stool.

The benefits of almond nuclei can only be appreciated by patients with pancreatitis in remission. But the dose of the nut is strictly limited: in 1 day they are allowed to eat no more than 2 pieces.

Almonds for diabetes

Fruits contain a minimum amount of carbohydrates. This is perhaps the only nut that people with diabetes are allowed to eat.

Scientists have concluded that regular intake of almonds improves glucose and glycated hemoglobin. But this is true only for children with initially low sugar levels. There were no significant changes in the amount of cholesterol.

Almonds for oncology

Walnut has high antioxidant activity. And free radicals are one of the factors in the appearance of neoplasms. Therefore, regular intake of almonds is a preventive measure for people with an increased risk of developing tumors.

Almonds are also used in the complex treatment of stage 1-2 tumors, when they are small in size, have not sprouted into neighboring tissues and have not metastasized. But the fetus will not be able to completely cure the neoplasm.

Unlike the treatment of other diseases, bitter walnut varieties are used to treat cancer. It contains vitamin B17 and amygdalin, which increase the efficiency of nuclei in oncology. But it must be used very carefully.

Almonds for weight loss

Despite the large amount of fat and high calorie content, almonds have a minimum of carbohydrates, so the nut is used in dietary nutrition. It improves metabolism in the body, promotes better absorption of nutrients. The nuclei improve the functioning of the kidneys, due to which all toxic substances are quickly excreted from the body.

Fats are contained in the oil of the kernels, they are unsaturated. Such fats quickly satisfy the appetite, so a person does not overeat. Their chemical composition does not allow you to gain excess weight.

Another useful element in the composition of the kernels for those who want to lose weight is fiber. It improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, ensuring the rapid evacuation of toxic substances.

In order to lose weight, it is better to take peeled fruits in their pure form. The daily dose for those wishing to lose weight is approximately 2 tbsp. l., that is, up to 30 g. It is divided into 2-3 doses.

Scientists from the University of Barcelona conducted an experiment, the purpose of which was to find out if almonds help in reducing body weight. One group of subjects received a supplement to a low-calorie diet in the form of nut kernels, the other ate crackers instead of almonds. As a result, the weight of those who were in the first group decreased slightly during the experiment, which was not observed in the second.

How many grams in one almond

To accurately calculate the number of calories received, you should know the weight of 1 pc. 10 medium nuts are equivalent to 50 g. That is, 1 fruit weighs 5 g.

Rules for the use of nuts

To get the maximum benefit from a nut and a minimum of harm, you should use it correctly. After all, with an excess of the product in the body, harmful substances accumulate – amygdalin, phytic acid.

And bitter almonds contain hydrocyanic acid. Therefore, only sweet varieties are eaten. Hydrocyanic acid in almonds is a real poison for the body.

Poisoning with this substance develops very quickly. The victim experiences increased salivation, nausea and vomiting. The heartbeat slows down, breathing gets out of hand. Dizziness begins, staggering when walking. In the absence of timely assistance in the form of washing the stomach and intestines, a fatal outcome is possible.

Therefore, it is so important to process almonds before eating and not get too carried away with them. About how to properly use the nut, further.

At what age can almonds be given to children

Almonds are a strong allergen. Therefore, it is not recommended to give it to small children. Pediatricians are allowed to eat a nut from 3 years. For the first time, children are given fruits as an addition to desserts. Their number is increased gradually. Do not give a nut more than 3 times a week. The maximum portion for 1 time is 5 pcs.

How many almonds can you eat per day

Overeating almonds in some people causes unpleasant symptoms: dizziness, a slight feeling of intoxication. Therefore, you should strictly adhere to the recommended amount per day. It ranges from 30 to 50 g.

Overweight people or large men are allowed to eat slightly more nuts. The daily dose of almonds for men is about 60 g (15 kernels).

Why Soak Almonds

One of the constituent nuclei is phytic acid. According to various sources, 1 nut contains from 1,5 to 3,5% of this substance. Fitin carries a potential threat to the body. It belongs to the group of antinutrients – substances that prevent the absorption of beneficial trace elements in the body.

When used in small quantities, there will be no harm. But lovers of this nut should be on their guard.

The most effective way to eliminate fitin is soaking. With its help, up to 97% of the harmful substance is neutralized. The benefits of soaked almonds are the same as regular ones. But you can not be afraid of the negative effects of phytic acid.

How to soak almonds

Soaking nuts is a simple and labor-intensive process. To effectively eliminate harmful components, follow these steps:

1. Prepare nuts and boiled hot water in a ratio of 1:2.
2. Spread the kernels in a container and fill with water.
3. Add Himalayan or sea salt (1 cup of nuts will need 1 teaspoon of salt).
4. Stir thoroughly.
5. Set aside the mixture for 12 hours.
6. At the end of the period, the nuts are washed with boiled water and dried.

Everyone who decides to eat right should follow these rules. Other nuts and cereals are soaked in the same way. Only the exposure time is different.

Противопоказания

Useful properties and contraindications to taking almonds are interconnected. After all, only in the absence of the latter can negative consequences be avoided.

The main contraindication to admission is an allergic reaction. Moreover, if unpleasant symptoms were observed when eating other nuts, most likely they will be the same for almonds. Some people have a mild reaction in the form of skin redness, itching and a mild rash. Others develop severe symptoms requiring emergency care: anaphylactic shock, angioedema.

How to store shelled almonds

The peeled nut is healthier and tastier. The peel gives bitterness to the kernels. For long-term storage, unroasted almonds are suitable. To do this, use a refrigerator or other cool place. Put the fruits in a glass jar and tightly close the lid.

Store almonds separately from other nuts. It is unacceptable to store in a bag at room temperature. So almonds will lose useful properties.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of almonds directly depend on the correct storage and use. If you do not overeat, peel and soak the nut before eating, it will bring a lot of benefits. But if unpleasant symptoms occur during the use of kernels, it is necessary to stop taking it and consult a doctor.