Content
- 1 Chemical composition of almonds
- 2 Where are the nutrients in almonds?
- 3 Which is healthier – hazelnuts or almonds?
- 4 What are the benefits of almonds for the human body?
- 5 Can you eat almonds while breastfeeding?
- 6 Application in treatment
- 7 How many grams are in one almond
- 8 Rules for eating nuts
- 9 Contraindications
- 10 How to store peeled almonds
- 11 Conclusion
Almonds have gained great popularity in all countries of the world due to their exquisite taste and many beneficial properties. They eat a sweet variety of nut (the seeds, to be precise), since the bitter kernels are toxic to the body. The nut is often used in cooking, and almond oil is used in medicine. But not everyone knows the true benefits and harms of almonds. More on this below.
Chemical composition of almonds
The beneficial properties of the nut are determined by its rich chemical composition.Almonds contain essential vitamins and minerals and antioxidants. The nut is rich in protein.
Minerals and vitamins in almonds
The nut contains large quantities of B vitamins. By eating 100 g of nut, a person receives:
- 60% of the daily dose of vitamin B2;
- 17% – B3;
- 14% – B1.
But almonds are richest in vitamin E. 100 g contains 131% of the daily dose of this beneficial microelement.
The nut contains almost all the minerals necessary for the normal functioning of the body:
- manganese;
- copper;
- calcium;
- magnesium;
- phosphorus;
- iron;
- zinc;
- potassium.
The highest content is considered to be manganese - 141% of the daily dose, magnesium - 67%, copper and phosphorus - 50% each.
How much protein is in almonds
The content of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in almonds can be described in a ratio of 1:1:2. 100 g of nut contains 21.15 g of protein, the same amount of carbohydrates and about 50 g of fat. For comparison, 1 chicken egg contains 6.2 g of protein. This is equivalent to 25g of nuts.
How many calories are in almonds?
Almonds are a low-calorie but filling product. Just 30 g of nuts is enough to feel full. Rich in fat, it contains little sugar. Therefore, the nut is useful for everyone who wants to lose weight.
Calorie content 1 pc. almonds
After eating 1 nut, a person receives 7.14 kcal. That is, 100 kcal are contained in 14 pieces.
Calorie content of almonds per 100 grams
The calorie content of almonds per 100 g is from 580 to 660 kcal. Sources give different data.
Where are the nutrients in almonds?
The bulk of the nutrients are in the pulp. On the contrary, it is recommended to peel the peel.It contains most of phytic acid, a harmful antinutrient.
Which is healthier – hazelnuts or almonds?
Both hazelnuts and almonds have a beneficial effect on human health. It cannot be said that one of the nuts is definitely healthier. Hazelnuts are recommended for consumption by people with diseases of the cardiovascular system:
- arterial hypertension;
- atherosclerosis;
- suffered heart attacks.
It increases hemoglobin levels and cleanses the blood of toxins.
Almonds are one of the main sources of protein. It is well absorbed by the body. Good for the heart, nervous system, bone tissue. The kernels have a wide composition, so it can be called a more versatile nut. But taking hazelnuts is preferable for all people suffering from heart and vascular diseases.
What are the benefits of almonds for the human body?
The benefits and harms of almonds for the body are determined by its rich amino acid composition, high content of B vitamins, E and minerals. Below is a list of only the most pronounced beneficial effects:
- strengthens the walls of blood vessels, increases the tone of veins, capillaries and arteries;
- reduces the level of cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins, which contribute to the development of atherosclerosis;
- has antioxidant activity - reduces the negative impact of free radicals on cells and tissues of the body;
- prevents the appearance of malignant and benign neoplasms;
- promotes the conduction of nerve impulses, thereby improving brain activity;
- has a sedative effect - calms, eliminates anxiety;
- promotes the removal of small stones from the genitourinary system;
- has an enveloping effect - protects the walls of the stomach and intestines, due to which it is used to treat gastritis and peptic ulcers;
- when applied externally, it strengthens the hair roots, which is why the kernels are used for baldness;
- almond oil thins mucus and drains the bronchial tree.
What are the benefits of almonds for women?
The benefits of almonds for the female body are observed both with external and internal use of the nut. It is widely used in cosmetology practice. It nourishes the skin thanks to the presence of vitamin E and antioxidants. Masks are used by mature women to eliminate signs of aging.
The chemical elements catechins and quercetin, which are also contained in the kernels, protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation. They also promote rapid healing of minor cuts or scrapes.
Rubbing almond nut gruel into the hair roots reduces the severity of inflammation of the scalp and strengthens the hair follicle.
Almonds should be a regular ingredient in the diet of girls prone to depression, nervousness and psychosis. Thanks to the large amount of B vitamins in its composition, the nut has a calming effect and improves brain function.
Benefits of almonds for men
The benefits and harms of almonds for men are incommensurable. The nut has a lot of positive effects for the stronger half, while causing minimal harm. Due to the widespread prevalence of bad habits among men (drinking alcohol, smoking), they are more prone to developing heart and vascular diseases.As noted earlier, almond kernels are an effective means of preventing and treating these pathologies.
Taking the nut in moderate doses will help men who hold stressful jobs and become overtired during the day. The cores are effective against physical and mental fatigue. The product quickly restores strength to the body.
Almonds with honey for men are a means to prevent potency disorders.
What are the benefits of almonds during pregnancy?
One of the components of the kernels is folic acid. This substance is necessary for DNA synthesis. A sufficient amount of folic acid ensures normal growth and development of the baby. This is especially important in the 1st trimester of pregnancy, when the main organs and tissues of the child are formed. The cores reduce the risk of developing congenital malformations of internal organs.
Rubbing almond oil into the skin effectively eliminates stretch marks and makes the skin more elastic. Rubbing the substance with massage movements reduces the severity of edema, which pregnant women often suffer from. The massage should begin from the feet, gradually moving up.
Benefits of almonds for children
The kernels contain large amounts of phosphorus, magnesium and calcium. Thanks to this, they are very useful for a growing organism. Walnut strengthens bone tissue, improves the quality of teeth and prevents fractures and dislocations.
Almond kernels will help children with weak growth and development. The product improves brain performance, allowing the child to quickly learn to speak, read, and so on. The nut also increases the level of hemoglobin in the blood, so it will be useful for children with anemia.
If you give your child 2-3 nuts a week, good sleep and a good mood for the whole day are guaranteed. With regular consumption of almonds, children are less tired after school and become more able to work. You must first consult with a specialist.
Can you eat almonds while breastfeeding?
The beneficial properties of nuts during pregnancy and for children were previously mentioned. It also has a beneficial effect on infants. But you should be very careful with almonds while breastfeeding (BF). After all, nuts are a strong allergen and can cause severe reactions.
Therefore, during breastfeeding, almonds can be eaten only in minimal quantities (up to 30 g of nuts per day). Immunologists recommend eating walnuts or pine nuts before this, as they are safer. If your child does not have an allergic reaction, you can try almond kernels.
Application in treatment
Nuclei are widely used for the prevention of various pathologies. They are also effective in complex treatment of diseases to reduce the severity of symptoms. Most often they are used to treat the following pathological conditions:
- libido and potency disorders;
- inflammation of the pancreas - pancreatitis;
- endocrinological diseases – diabetes mellitus;
- oncological diseases in the early stages;
- excess body weight.
Almonds for potency
All men over 30 years of age are at risk for developing potency problems. Products with a high level of protein and low content of saturated fatty acids help get rid of the problem.
Almond kernels are beneficial for people with a lack of testosterone (the main male sex hormone). The product increases its synthesis in the endocrine glands.This is possible due to the presence of zinc, vitamin E and selenium in its composition. Zinc promotes the production of hormones, thereby increasing libido. Selenium improves blood circulation in small vessels, resulting in normal erection.
Almonds for pancreatitis
The benefits and harms of almonds for the body of a patient with pancreatitis are very ambiguous. In the acute period, eating any food containing nuts is strictly contraindicated. A large amount of fat in its composition aggravates inflammation and provokes the development of diarrhea.
The nuclei have a pronounced choleretic effect, which is also dangerous in the acute period. The presence of coarse dietary fiber helps to thin the stool.
The benefits of almond kernels can only be appreciated by patients with pancreatitis during remission. But the dose of nut is strictly limited: in 1 day you are allowed to eat no more than 2 pieces.
Almonds for diabetes
The fruits contain a minimal amount of carbohydrates. This is perhaps the only nut that people with diabetes are allowed to eat.
Scientists have concluded that regular intake of almonds improves glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels. But this is only true for children with initially low sugar levels. There were no significant changes in cholesterol levels.
Almonds for oncology
The nut has high antioxidant activity. And free radicals are one of the factors in the appearance of tumors. Therefore, regular consumption of almonds is a preventive measure for people with an increased risk of developing tumors.
Almonds are also used in the complex treatment of stage 1-2 tumors, when they are small in size, have not grown into neighboring tissues and have not metastasized.But the fetus will not be able to completely cure the tumor.
Unlike the treatment of other diseases, bitter varieties of nuts are used to treat cancer. It contains vitamin B17 and amygdalin, which increase the effectiveness of nuclei in oncology. But it should be used very carefully.
Almonds for weight loss
Despite the large amount of fat and high calorie content, almonds contain a minimum of carbohydrates, so the nut is used in dietary nutrition. It improves metabolism in the body and promotes better absorption of nutrients. The kernels improve kidney function, which is why all toxic substances are quickly eliminated from the body.
Fats are contained in the kernel oil; they are unsaturated. Such fats quickly satisfy the appetite, so a person does not overeat. Their chemical composition does not allow you to gain excess weight.
Another useful element in the composition of kernels for those who want to lose weight is fiber. It improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, ensuring rapid evacuation of toxic substances.
For weight loss purposes, it is better to take peeled fruits in their pure form. The daily dose for those wishing to lose weight is approximately 2 tbsp. l., that is, up to 30 g. It is divided into 2-3 doses.
Scientists from the University of Barcelona conducted an experiment to find out whether almonds help in reducing body weight. One group of subjects received a low-calorie diet supplement in the form of nut kernels, while the other ate crackers instead of almonds. As a result, the weight of those in the first group decreased slightly during the experiment, which was not observed in the second.
How many grams are in one almond
To accurately calculate the number of calories received, you should know the weight of 1 piece. 10 medium nuts are equivalent to 50 g. That is, 1 fruit weighs 5 g.
Rules for eating nuts
To get the maximum benefit from the nut and the minimum harm, you should consume it correctly. After all, when there is an excess of the product, harmful substances accumulate in the body - amygdalin, phytic acid.
And bitter almonds contain hydrocyanic acid. Therefore, only sweet varieties are eaten. Hydrocyanic acid in almonds is a real poison for the body.
Poisoning with this substance develops very quickly. The victim experiences increased salivation, nausea and vomiting. The heartbeat slows down and breathing becomes difficult. Dizziness and staggering when walking begin. In the absence of timely assistance in the form of gastric and intestinal lavage, death is possible.
That's why it's so important to process almonds before eating and not get too carried away with them. Read more about how to properly consume nuts.
At what age can children eat almonds?
Almonds are a strong allergen. Therefore, it is not recommended to be given to young children. Pediatricians allow eating nuts from the age of 3. For the first time, children are given fruits as an addition to desserts. Their number is increased gradually. You should not give the nut more than 3 times a week. Maximum portion for 1 time – 5 pcs.
How many almonds can you eat per day?
Overeating almonds causes unpleasant symptoms in some people: dizziness, a slight feeling of intoxication. Therefore, you should strictly adhere to the recommended amount per day. It ranges from 30 to 50 g.
Overweight people or large men are allowed to eat a little more nuts. The daily dose of almonds for men is about 60 g (15 kernels).
Why soak almonds?
One of the components of the kernels is phytic acid. According to various sources, 1 nut contains from 1.5 to 3.5% of this substance. Phytin poses a potential threat to the body. It belongs to the group of antinutrients - substances that prevent the absorption of beneficial microelements in the body.
If you eat the fruit in small quantities, there will be no harm. But lovers of this nut should be careful.
The most effective way to eliminate phytin is soaking. With its help, up to 97% of harmful substances are neutralized. The benefits of soaked almonds are the same as regular ones. But there is no need to worry about the negative effects of phytic acid.
How to soak almonds
Soaking nuts is a simple and not labor-intensive process. To effectively eliminate harmful components, follow these steps:
- Prepare nuts and boiled hot water in a 1:2 ratio.
- Place the kernels in a container and fill with water.
- Add Himalayan or sea salt (for 1 cup of nuts you will need 1 teaspoon of salt).
- Stir thoroughly.
- Set aside the mixture for 12 hours.
- After the expiration date, the nuts are washed with boiled water and dried.
These rules should be followed by everyone who decides to eat healthy. Other nuts and grains are soaked in the same way. Only the holding time differs.
Contraindications
The beneficial properties and contraindications for taking almonds are interrelated. After all, only in the absence of the latter can negative consequences be avoided.
The main contraindication for use is an allergic reaction.Moreover, if unpleasant symptoms were observed when consuming other nuts, most likely they will be the same with almonds. Some people experience a mild reaction of skin redness, itching, and a mild rash. Others develop severe symptoms that require emergency care: anaphylactic shock, angioedema.
How to store peeled almonds
Peeled nuts are healthier and tastier. The peel gives the kernels a bitter taste. Unroasted almonds are suitable for long-term storage. To do this, use a refrigerator or other cool place. Place the fruits in a glass jar and close the lid tightly.
Almonds should be stored separately from other nuts. Storing in a bag at room temperature is unacceptable. This will cause the almonds to lose their beneficial properties.
Conclusion
The benefits and harms of almonds directly depend on proper storage and use. If you do not overeat, peel and soak the nut before eating, it will bring a lot of benefits. But if you experience unpleasant symptoms while consuming kernels, you should definitely stop taking them and consult a doctor.
