Due to their versatility and their delicate, buttery flavor, almonds are extremely popular. They make a delicious snack, and their sweet taste means that they can be added to a wide range of baked goods and meals. Although they are classed as nuts due to their nutritional content, it is a little-known fact that they are actually seeds from the almond tree’s fruit. In addition, it turns out that they are extremely good for your health. Read on to discover the nine most significant reasons why you should include more almonds in your diet.
1) They can help you lose weight:
Dieters have often ignored almonds due to rumors that they will cause you to gain weight. However, a large range of credible studies has now shown that people who eat almonds actually tend to have a lower body mass index. Even more significantly, research on weight loss has revealed that dieters reliably lose more weight at a faster rate when they get 500 calories of their recommended daily intake solely from almonds. It is speculated that this is because almonds cell walls limit how much dietary fat is available to digest, leading to some of the calories in almonds not being absorbed by the body.
2) They also lower your risk of putting on excess weight:
One study tracked the weight gain of nearly nine thousand men and women for over two years and found that those who ate almonds (and other nuts) at least twice a week were a shocking 31% less likely to gain weight over the course of the study. Further, since almonds are such a good source of vitamin E, they can help to temporarily boost your metabolism, ensuring that you burn more calories at a quicker pace.
3) They help to prevent gallstones:
A huge research project spanning two decades and involving eighty thousand different women discovered that eating just thirty almonds each day can lower your risk of suffering from gallstone by an impressive 25%.
4) They improve the health of your cardiovascular system:
Almonds are very low in saturated fat, so eating them instead of more unhealthy foods can help to reduce your likelihood of developing heart disease. They also promote healthy blood pressure levels, as they contain very little sodium, and the potassium they contain has been proven to actively lower your blood pressure. Finally, almonds are a source of magnesium, which improves circulation by relaxing blood vessels (thereby lowering your risk of suffering from a heart attack).
5) They can lower cholesterol levels:
The monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats in almonds have been proven to help reduce levels of LDL (i.e. ‘bad’ cholesterol). Research shows that just one serving of almonds each day can lower cholesterol levels by around 10%.
6) They can boost your energy levels:
Almonds are an excellent source of protein, and they also contain vitamin B2. Both of these nutrients promote energy, so when you are tired you may find that eating almonds will help you to feel more focused and energetic.
7) They promote healthy bones:
Almonds are a good source of calcium, which is necessary for the maintenance of strong bones and teeth. This means a diet that is high in almonds helps to reduce your risk of suffering from fractures or developing osteoporosis. The phosphorus in almonds also helps to keep your bones strong.
8. They can help to treat fibrocystic breast disease:
Just 25 grams of almonds provides your body with more than 70% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin E. This gives certain women an extra reason to eat plenty of almonds around the time of their menstrual period, as a diet that is high in vitamin E is linked to a reduction in the painful breast lumps that characterize fibrocystic breast disease.
9) They help to protect you against diabetes:
Eating almonds promote healthy blood sugar levels by reducing spikes in blood sugar after eating a meal, so they are an ideal snack if you want to avoid developing type 2 diabetes.
As is obvious from the above health benefits, almonds are a great addition to your diet if you want to increase your consumption of nutritious foods. However, some people are extremely allergic to them, so make sure to seek medical attention if you develop breathing problems or a skin rash after eating almonds.
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