What Makes Almonds a Superfood?
You can never go wrong with almonds. These super nuts are nutritious as they are delicious. From helping you trim down your weight to reducing your risk of heart disease and other illnesses, almonds are a “must-add” to your diet!
In what ways, in particular, do almonds become a superfood? Let’s find out.
First off, it’s good for your brain.
Almonds are jam-packed with a lot of nutrients that your brain requires to stay healthy. In particular, they contain riboflavin and L-carnitine – two brain foods that have been shown to increase brain activity, resulting in new neural pathways and lowered risk of Alzheimer’s disease. They contain phenylalanine as well – tiny but powerful chemicals that aid in maintaining neurological function.
And they are good for your heart too.
A handful of almonds a day can help keep the cardiologist away! Numerous studies have shown that almonds could promote heart health in plenty of ways. First, regular consumption of almonds has been found to increase the levels of high density lipoproteins (HDL) (good cholesterol) and reduce the levels of low density lipoproteins (LDL) (bad cholesterol). Another thing, these super nuts contain high levels of monounsaturated fats, protein and potassium which are all instrumental to heart health; as well as folic acid which reduces the level of homocysteine that triggers fatty plaque build-up in the arteries. What’s more, almonds contain magnesium which helps prevent heart attack. Meanwhile, the nutrients in almonds lower the number of C-reactive proteins which causes artery-damaging inflammation. These nuts are low in sodium, which helps to control fluctuating blood pressure.
They also promote bone health.
Almonds are a fantastic source of nutrients, vitamins and minerals that boost bone health and development. One of them is phosphorous which is essential to strong bones, and of which high levels were linked to lower risk of osteoporosis.
Almonds have anti-inflammatory properties.
The body needs different types of fatty acids (there are 9 all in all) to function properly and stay healthy. Almonds have two very important fatty acids – linoleic and linolenic acids – which both help reduce inflammation. Inflammation is among the major risk factors for a wide range of diseases, including heart disease, cancer and some autoimmune disorders.
They also provide protection against cancer… and diabetes.
Many studies suggest that a high-fibre diet could lower the risk of colon cancer. Basically, fibre allows easy movement of food through the colon, thus preventing the build-up of cancer-causing substances. Being high in fibre, almonds also help reduce the reactionary rise in glucose and insulin levels after meals – a problem experienced by people who have diabetes.
And contrary to popular belief, it aids in weight loss too.
Many people think that almonds can cause weight gain. Whilst these nuts (just like the others) are high in calories, they are not ‘empty calories’, but healthy calories that provide an array of benefits to your body. The monounsaturated fats in almonds satisfies appetite and prevents over-eating whilst its high fibre content speeds up your metabolism and fat-burning capability.
Almonds are good for your tummy.
The fibre you will get from eating 4 or 5 almonds is enough to keep your digestion and bowel movements regular. That’s how high its fibre content is. This makes almonds a great dietary add-on if you tend to experience digestive problems, including constipation or irregular bowel movement.
They could ramp up your energy levels too.
The presence of manganese, copper and Riboflavin will keep your energy levels high the whole day, despite your activity levels. These nutrients are highly important for energy production and metabolic rate. What’s more, they help stimulate new neural passageways and connections that slash your risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other memory-related problems.
And boost your immune system.
Did you know that an ounce of almonds contains about the same amount of polyphenols, antioxidants thought to help fight off heart disease and cancer, as a cup of broccoli or green tea? That’s according to a 2006 research by Tufts University.
See? You could be missing a lot these amazing health benefits if you’re not eating almonds. Just don’t overdo it. Almonds do have oxalates, of which high amounts can cause crystallization that can lead to a host of health issues. A handful of these nutritious nuts a day is enough for you to reap their benefits.
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