If you have been a true-blue desi kid that has grown up in a household that believes in good health, there’s no way that you haven’t heard your mum yell at you for not having the badam that she left soaking overnight. You may, or may not like them; but almonds have been attributed to intelligence in most Indian households, and you’ve quietly accepted their place in your diet, without questions.
But, did you know there’s more to almonds than just giving you all that brain juice? They’re nature’s way of giving you a natural fix to a lot of your ailments. And while they may be the least favourite member of the nut family, here’s why including them in your daily routine might just be a great addition to your good health!
1. Natural antioxidants
Flushing out toxins and replenishing lost nutrients is vital to cell growth and repair. While this is done naturally by the body, the vitamin E found in almonds has properties that prevent tissues from oxidative damage, so much so, that a single spoon of almond butter could provide up to 30% of your daily Vitamin E requirement.
2. Energy boosters
Athletes and gym freaks are often seen consuming protein supplements and nutritional energy drinks before and after working out. Almond milk is a certified source of rich muscle-building proteins that. When substituted in place of regular milk in your diet, it can go a long way in an active and fitter life. Woke muscles = woke mind!
3. Cholesterol maintenance
Consuming almonds on a regular basis can increase the high-density lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol levels and reduce the low-density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol levels – attaining a balance that is vital for your body to function effectively.
4. Keeps diabetes at bay
Bet you didn’t know controlling sugar had anything to do with almonds! The rise in glucose and insulin levels; especially after meals, can be reduced with just a little help from almonds every day. They help regulate the absorption and processing of glucose, making the entire process much smoother, and subsequently safer.
5. Strengthen immune system
According to studies, food products such as meat, wheat, refined sugar, and processed items can make your body produce acid, which can be bad for you. You need an equal amount of alkaline foods to balance out the acidic levels in your body, and this is where almonds step in. Apart from being a good source of alkali materials, they seek out all damaging elements in the body that can promote chronic diseases and can be horribly hazardous to the body’s organs. Hence strengthening your ability to fight off diseases like a pro!
6. Age-defying properties
Why contemplate going under the knife when you’re 50, when you can prevent it altogether if you can slow down ageing right now? Get yourself some rich almond oil and massage a generous amount on your face every day for the most supple and soft skin, for years! Almond oil is also a tried and tested ingredient to reduce puffy eyes, improve blood circulation, and give you a radiant and healthy glow.
7. Hair growth and hair fall treatment
When it comes to gorgeous tresses and a well-groomed mane, you gotta put your hands together for vitamin A, D, B1, B2, and B6 – all of which are found in the hands of the mighty almond oil. These nutrients seep into your scalp to give your roots a nourished coating of fatty acids and fats, that soften, strengthen and nourish hair follicles.
8. Healthy source of fiber
If nothing else convinces you to incorporate almonds in your diet, know that your bowels will also be eternally thankful for them. Why? Because almonds, being rich in fiber, help prevent irritable bowels and prevent constipation. No, you won’t have to devour fists full of almonds every day to clear your digestive tract. The quantity of fiber in 4, or 5 almonds is sufficient to keep your bowel movements regular.
9. Acts as a catalyst for aiding weight-loss
An optimum dose of healthy monounsaturated fats in almonds satiate your appetite and prevents you from overeating. They also contain magnesium, which helps regulate blood sugar – a key factor in reducing food cravings. Almonds can even block the body’s absorption of calories, making them a popular ingredient for cereals, salads, fruit bowls and other healthy snacking options.
10. Say ‘hello’ to healthy bones
Phosphorus is just one among the several key vitamins and minerals that make almonds the king of nuts, and it has a significant impact on the strength and durability of bones and teeth. Other nutrients, such as calcium, improve bone mineral density and strengthen the body’s skeletal system, while also preventing the onset of age-related conditions like osteoporosis.
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