Almonds are nutrient dense nuts that decrease serum cholesterol levels, ward off cardio-vascular disorders and prevent colon caner.
Almonds are nuts that are off white in color, have a brownish skin and are encased in a hard shell. The nut is classified in to the sweet variety and the bitter variety. The sweet variety is eaten while bitter almonds are used to make almond oil.
Benefits of Almonds and Their Nutritional Highlights
Almonds are loaded with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated oils, potassium, iron, zinc, calcium and vitamin E. The nut is also packed with powerful anti-oxidants and amygdalin.
Almonds – Health Benefits
The potent anti-oxidants present in the nut make it decidedly effective in fighting heart and vascular diseases and cancer. About one third cup of almonds gives 9 grams of proteins and liberal amounts of dietary fiber.
Almonds are Food for Heart Diseases
Almonds appear to be highly beneficial in battling cardio-vascular disorders. Innumerable clinical trials and studies have shown that almonds help improve lipid profiles and prevent lifestyle related illnesses. One hundred grams of almonds when given to a group of volunteers for four weeks, showed a significant improvement in the lipid profile
Lower Cholesterol With Almonds
Almonds help reduce total cholesterol levels, LDL cholesterol and serum triglyceride levels appreciably. The level of HDL or high density lipoprotein, also called good cholesterol, remained the same after the consumption of raw or roasted nuts. However, it increased after the consumption of almond butter.
Almonds: Foods That Lower LDL
Almonds diminish the amount of LDL or bad cholesterol. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) tends to result in atherosclerosis, plaque formation, platelet aggregation and heart attacks. Anti-oxidants present in almonds prevent free radical damage and oxidation of LDL, thus thwarting cardiac diseases.
Almonds Help Fight Colon Cancer
Almonds help ward off cancers successfully. In an animal study, some animals were exposed to cancer-causing agents and fed whole almonds at the same time, whilst some animals weren’t fed almonds at all. The results of the study showed that those animals which were given whole almonds demonstrated fewer signs of colon cancer; the primary reason for this being the high content of dietary fiber present in the nut.
These results suggest that almonds, whether raw, roasted or in the form of almond butter, play a pivotal role in cholesterol lowering, preventing heart disorders and fighting cancer.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Reference:
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. “Partial Replacement Of Saturated Fatty Acids With Almonds Or Walnuts Lowers Total Plasma Cholesterol And Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol.” Abbey, M., M. Noakes, G. B. Belling, P. J. Nestle, 1994.
