Bitter almonds: beneficial properties and contraindications

Almonds are a healthy drupe fruit that belongs to a plant from the plum genus - the common almond or its other varieties. We are used to thinking of it as a nut, but it is not so. Rather, it looks like the pits extracted from a peach. Bitter almonds are often unripe sweet almonds or a special variety that has an uncharacteristic taste. It contains hydrocyanic acid, which can lead to severe poisoning. Therefore, bitter almonds (see photo) are used to a limited extent in cooking. It is mainly used in the manufacture of perfumes and almond oil.

How to distinguish bitter almonds from sweet ones

There are about 40 healthy varieties of almonds and almost all of them are sweet. Some contain bitterness, which is due to the presence of high concentrations of the cyanogenic glycoside amygdalin. The presence of toxic substances is revealed by a strong almond smell, which is not present in sweet, healthy varieties. Differences between sweet and bitter almonds are also evident in external characteristics.Bitter almond leaf cuttings are mostly without glands, the flowers are usually brighter, and the stone is woody or brittle. It grows as a hermit on rocky mountain slopes in Central Asia, the Caucasus and Crimea.

Glycosides are chemical compounds of glucose with another molecule. They benefit the plant in protecting it from external enemies. Therefore, glycosides, as a rule, have toxic properties to varying degrees. They do not harm the plant itself and can accumulate in large quantities.

As soon as a person begins to chew bitter almonds, the process of amygdalin hydrolysis begins. As a result, hydrocyanic acid is formed, a highly toxic compound that can cause severe poisoning in any living creature. The enzyme glycosidase, necessary for the successful breakdown of amygdalin, is contained both in the seed itself and is produced in our own stomach.

Everyone has probably heard and knows what hydrocyanic acid is. A hundred years ago, its use was in baiting small rodents and insects. This often ended in death not only for pests, but also for people. Cyanide has long been a means of poisoning enemies of grain stocks.

Hydrocyanic acid can hardly be called a useful substance for the human body. Once inside, it blocks the production of a number of enzymes, which leads to oxygen deficiency in the tissues. The lethal dose of hydrocyanic acid for an adult is 0.3 g, which may well be contained in 100 g of almonds. About ten fruits are enough for a child to acquire a lethal amount of a toxic compound.

The benefits and harms of bitter almonds

If almonds purchased in a store are bitter, it is better to stop eating them, as they will not only not be beneficial, but can also cause irreparable harm to the body. You should try to purchase sweet varieties, they are safe and have the same beneficial properties. But if it already happens that you come across bitter fruits, you can heat treat them and then they will become healthy and safe. Due to exposure to high temperatures, enzymes that lead to the release of toxic substances are destroyed.

The beneficial properties of bitter almonds make it possible to call it the nut of longevity. It contains substances important for human health that provide a healing effect on the body:

• strengthen the heart muscle, improve the functioning of the entire cardiovascular system, protect against atherosclerosis (magnesium);
• slow down skin aging (vitamin E);
• protect against type 2 diabetes mellitus (manganese).

Bitter almonds are taken to treat cancer as well as prevent it. The benefits of the fruit will be fully realized if you start by taking one kernel per day, gradually increasing the amount to 20 pieces. And the same in reverse order. Repeat in a month.

In a number of countries, bitter almonds are used as an additive to seasonings. The oil made from it is beneficial in creating perfume and cosmetic compositions. It is also used for local anesthesia or as a pain reliever for the following conditions and diseases:

• stomach pain;
• bedsores;
• diaper rash;
• dermatitis;
• sprains;
• sore throat;
• pain or hardening of wax in the ear.

Chemical composition

The biochemical composition of bitter almonds indicates its beneficial therapeutic properties and high nutritional value.

This is not a complete list of useful components that fill the composition of bitter almonds. Each of these compounds contributes to the medicinal and nutritional properties of nuts.

Uses of bitter almonds

Despite their poisonous properties, after proper processing, bitter almonds, like sweet almonds, are considered a healthy food product, although with many restrictions in use. It has an extremely rich and varied composition, which provides the drupe with versatile applications and benefits in various areas of human activity.

But the amount of bitter almonds in comparison with healthy sweet varieties is strictly limited - no more than two pieces per day. Children should not ingest it at all. If we are talking about sweet almonds, then 10 pieces of raw nuts can cause death in children; an adult lethal dose is 50 freshly picked nuts. During heat treatment, hydrogen cyanide is destroyed, making the fruits safer and healthier for people.

In treatment

Bitter almonds have high healing properties and can be beneficial for many diseases.Avicenna knew well the medicinal power of fruits and used them to treat disorders of the digestive sections, genitourinary organs, and to impart “male strength.” It is better to purchase healthy preparations made from bitter almonds through a pharmacy chain. Although you can prepare them yourself, you need to be very strict about the dosages and quality of raw materials.

Bitter almond oil benefits women with PMS. At this time, the magnesium content in the blood sharply decreases. And this is exactly the element that is very abundant in bitter almonds. The benefits of nuts are also evident in their effect on digestive processes. Not only the oil, but also bitter almonds themselves are used for treatment for stomach pain caused by ulcers or gastritis. It is also beneficial for renal colic and difficulty urinating. All types of almonds cleanse the liver, spleen and kidneys, and also strengthen vision, the brain, and are useful for asthma, pleurisy, and intestinal ulcers.

Bitter almond oil is widely used in medicine. It is added to injection solutions and medicinal ointments. Primarily, antispasmodic, antihistamine, vasodilating, narcotic and hypnotic effects are valued. The ways to use this beneficial oil are as follows:

• in an aroma lamp – 2-3 drops;
• massage – 1-2 drops per 10 g of transport oil;
• inside – 1 drop per 1 teaspoon of honey three times a day.

The oil is beneficial in softening rough skin, healing microtraumas, and also helps fight cellulite. Revitalizes dry, sagging skin, smoothes wrinkles. Shows a beneficial effect in diseases of the respiratory tract, for lowering cholesterol, healing minor skin injuries, and for compactions in the mammary gland.

In cosmetology

Healthy bitter almond oil perfectly cleanses the face of freckles, age spots, blackheads and pimples. To do this, they also grind the fruits and add a little water to the resulting powder and bring it to a paste consistency. Then apply to problem areas and leave for up to half an hour to obtain maximum benefits. If you use milk instead of water in a similar recipe, you will get an excellent remedy for baldness. If you mix bitter almonds with wine, you can get a useful mixture for getting rid of dandruff.

In the cosmetic industry, the oil is used as an additive to various creams and ointments. It gives the mixtures anti-inflammatory, restorative, healing and other beneficial properties. Helps improve the fat and water balance of the skin. At home, you can make moisturizing masks for your hands, neck and face from the pulp of bitter almonds, which provide invaluable benefits to your appearance. The medicinal mixture includes almond pulp, sour cream or honey. 10-15 minutes after application, rinse with water or wipe with a damp cloth.

In cooking

Bitter almonds must be subjected to heat, which can take the form of baking, frying, calcining, or boiling. After which the fruits can be added to food as a healthy seasoning or additional ingredients in salads, meat and rice dishes, desserts, and confectionery.

Bitter almond poisoning

Bitter almonds, although a healthy product, may not be suitable for a particular person. Each organism has its own scale of intolerance. Moreover, the fruits contain hydrocyanic acid, which does not benefit the body. Even in small quantities it is dangerous to humans.Therefore, treatment monitoring by an experienced specialist is required, as well as strict adherence to all recommendations and dosages. This is the only way to benefit from treatment.

If bitter almond poisoning does occur, you need to know the symptoms well in order to provide first aid in time and consult a doctor. The most common signs of intoxication of the body resulting from excessive use of the product:

• increased salivation;
• vomiting reflex;
• Strong headache;
• breathing problems;
• abdominal pain;
• prostration;
• arrhythmia;
• the skin and mucous membranes acquire a pink tint;
• convulsions;
• loss of consciousness.

When the first signs appear, it is necessary to urgently provide qualified medical assistance, since severe forms of poisoning are quite capable of leading to death. A severe degree of intoxication is accompanied by impaired consciousness, hallucinations, anemia, and bradycardia. Before the ambulance arrives, the victim should be given the following assistance:

• give as much water as possible to drink, provoke a gag reflex;
• cleanse the stomach until the exiting waters become clear;
• use sorbents;
• give sweet tea to drink (sugar as an antidote);
• to prevent dehydration, drink frequently;
• use Regidron.

Treatment takes place in a hospital. The victim is given special antidotes, other drugs are selected, and a diet is prescribed.

Contraindications to bitter almonds

Unripe sweet almonds should not be consumed. Their benefits are questionable. They contain cyanide, which is dangerous to humans. Bitter varieties of almonds are also very limited in consumption and have many contraindications:

• individual intolerance;
• childhood;
• pregnancy;
• lactation;
• cardiopalmus;
• obesity.

It is better to eat sweet varieties of almonds. They are safe for humans and thanks to this they can bring much more benefits to the body.

What poisonous substance has the smell of bitter almonds?

The smell of bitter almonds comes from amygdalin, which is involved not only in protecting the plant, but also in creating its characteristic aroma. In the chain of conversion of hydrocyanic acid from a glycoside there is one very useful molecule - benzaldehyde. Its main role is to bind poisonous hydrocyanic acid in amygdalin. It is useful for humans because it affects the sense of smell and is the cause of the characteristic almond aroma.

Hydrocyanic acid itself has no odor at all, so those detective writers whose characters identify a toxic substance by smell are mistaken. The smell will be present only if the death of a person occurred as a result of taking amygdalin (letril), since its cause will be a benzaldehyde molecule.

The fruits of bitter almonds can be recognized by their characteristic aroma. But the aromatic molecule is not found in nuts in its pure form. Under the action of the drupe's own enzymes, a small part of amygdalin breaks down into hydrocyanic acid and useful benzaldehyde. The latter compound is responsible for the appearance of the unique smell.

Terms and conditions of storage

It is useful to purchase and store bitter almonds in the shell. In this case, you need to pay attention to ensure that there is no mold or other plaque on it that is unusual for fresh, healthy fruits. The healthiest bitter almonds are those sold in vacuum packaging and protected from unwanted environmental influences.Unshelled bitter almonds are stored in a breathable, non-sealed box. The air in the room should not heat above +18 degrees, and there should also be no direct sunlight.

If the nuts were purchased without shells and in bulk, they should be placed in a well-closed container and stored in the refrigerator. So they can stand for up to six months, retaining their benefits. In winter, a storage place can be an insulated loggia or balcony. To preserve the beneficial properties of bitter almonds, they can be frozen. This extends the shelf life to up to a year.

It is more useful to purchase shelled nuts for storage in a non-heat-treated form. Roasted bitter almonds should be those that have been cooked “dry”, without oil. You should also carefully read the ingredients and make sure that there are no additional ingredients such as corn syrup, sugar, preservatives, as they are not beneficial.

Reviews of bitter almonds

Conclusion

Bitter almonds can be beneficial to humans, but only if they are handled with care. Strict adherence to dosages and instructions for use of drugs made on its basis is necessary.

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