Almond

Health Benefits of Almonds

There are two types of almond: sweet and bitter. For the sweet almond, there are two types: the thin and thick-skinned. The best almonds for health and consumption are the thin-skin types (but arthritis sufferers and those on medication for diabetes mellitus are cautioned against taking sweet almonds). Bitter almond, on the other hand, is poisonous. Even though they can't be eaten, bitter almonds are important for their commercial value: they're made into almond oil, perfume and cosmetics.

Calories in almonds are high and should not be taken directly after meals, but instead be taken with bulky raw vegetables and fruits.

Almond skins contain irritating properties so they should always be removed before use by soaking them in water for one to two hours. Researchers at the Jean Mayer U.S. Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University and the Almond Board of California found that antioxidants (called flavonoids) in almond skins and vitamin E in almonds work together, and more powerfully than alone, to prevent LDL (bad) cholesterol from being oxidized. The study was published in the Journal of Nutrition, September 2006.

Health Benefits - Almond is already known for its heart health benefit, and must be eaten when mature and ripe. Immature ones can contain substances that produce poisonous hydrogen cyanide, which gives off a distinctive 'bitter almonds' scent. Almonds are used in herbal medicine for digestive and kidney complaints. Their trees grow in the British Isles.

Anemia
Almonds contain copper in organic form in the range of 1.15mg per 100 gram. Copper with iron and vitamins in almonds act as a catalyst for the formation of new blood cells.

Bone health
Almonds provide calcium, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus - minerals that contribute towards bone mineral density.

Cholesterol
The monounsaturated fat in almonds has been related to maintaining healthy levels of HDL cholesterol while reducing total and LDL cholesterol. Some research shows that just one ounce a day can have this potential effect.

Constipation
Eating 11-15 almonds during the night will cleanse the stomach by the next morning. For those who experience stomach pains frequently, drink 7gms of almond oil with warm milk.

Deafness
Mix in equal parts garlic juice, sweet almond oil and glycerin, and use as ear drop.

Allergy to cow's milk
Pound almonds until they form into powder. Mix with water and a little sugar to drink.

Eczema
Sweet Almond Oil is especially good for eczema. It absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it soft and non greasy. Excellent for making massage oils, or any recipe that calls for a vegetable carrier oil. Helps relieve itching, soreness, dryness and inflammation. Useful against burns and thread veins. Almond oil goes rancid quickly, so blends made with it must be used quickly.