Eat a lot of almonds? You might be surprised to learn almonds are actually seeds. These seeds are full nutrients that are great for the body. You can eat almonds raw or roasted, but if you want to get the most out of eating almonds it’s best to stick with raw as the roasting process causes many beneficial fats to be lost.
- Antioxidants
According to the experts at House Call Doctor, almonds contain plenty of antioxidants that help to lower oxidative stress that causes ageing. Antioxidants can also help prevent cancers.
- Calcium
Almonds are rich in calcium, making them a good choice for those who cannot or don’t eat dairy.
- Diabetes
The magnesium contained in almonds can help to control blood sugar levels as magnesium is used in over 300 bodily processes, including controlling blood sugar.
- Digestive health
Almonds contain soluble dietary fibre, which is important for a healthy digestive system. A 30g serve of almonds gives you roughly 10% of the recommended daily intake.
- Lower blood pressure
The magnesium in almonds is useful for reducing blood pressure, as low magnesium levels can increase your blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to heart attacks, kidney failure, and strokes.
- Omega-3 fatty acids
The omega-3 fatty acids in almonds help to regulate blood sugar, lower blood pressure, reduce body fat, maintain muscle mass, help the immune system, and increase energy levels.
- Skin
Almonds are a popular ingredient in many skincare products with almonds providing plenty of benefits for the skin. Almond oil is made through pressing raw almonds to extract the oil which is high in vitamins, minerals and fatty acids, which moisturises, helps UV damage, and reduces irritation. It can also lessen skin itching and swelling making it ideal for those with dry or sensitive skin.
- Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an important fat-soluble vitamin which helps to maintain heart health and can improve the condition and appearance of skin. It can also help to reduce your risk of heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.
Make sure you add some almonds to your diet.
Additional superfoods
Adding superfoods to your diet is an easy and effective way to increase your nutrition intake and boost your health. Here are some other superfoods you can try:
- Chia seeds – There’s been plenty of talk about chia seeds, and it seems as though there’s good reason why. Chia seeds are nutrient-rich, packed full of omega-3 fatty acids, calcium and fibre.
- Berries – Whether it be strawberries, raspberries, blueberries or cranberries, these foods are packed with antioxidants, fibre, minerals and vitamins.
- Eggs – Though eggs are said to contain high cholesterol, they are packed with antioxidants and nutrients including vitamin B, vitamin A, iron and choline.
