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Almonds have been around since ancient times, where they were used as part of the diet of Egyptians and ancient Indians.Even since that time, many cultures knew the benefits of almonds, which were thought to increase the capacity of the intellect and promote greater longevity.
There are two kinds of almonds: sweet and bitter; The bitter because of their content, are toxic to the body, so they should not be consumed.Sweet almonds that are edible contain a lot of essential nutrients.
They are rich in protein, healthy fats like oleic acid (omega 9) and linoleic acid (omega 6), minerals (such as calcium, sodium, zinc, iron, phosphorus), amino acids (such as arginine), potassium, magnesium, Antioxidants (B vitamins such as riboflavin (B2), thiamine (B1), niacin (B3), folic acid (B9), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), E, C and A)
Let’s know the benefits and their possible side effects.
Benefits of Almonds
Almond is a preventive and curative food for a long list of heart conditions and helps to promote good blood circulation. So it is great for cardiovascular health.It is considered as a natural aspirin since it contains salicylate and salicylic acid one of the active agents of aspirin, to which the effects of this medicine are due. They also help the regeneration of the nervous system.It is very important to consume almonds to lead a healthy and balanced diet.
Almonds are low in sodium.
They contain high levels of calcium.
They have vitamin B2 that helps strengthen nails, hair and helps keep skin hydrated.
They are rich in vitamin E which is essential for the skin and tissues.
They are also very rich in linoleic acid which is so important in the balance of organs and tissues.
As it is one of the largest sources of antioxidants, so it serves to prevent aging.
Almonds have a high percentage of fiber which protects the walls of the intestines especially at the level of the colon, helps to regulate the intestinal flow, diminishes the abdominal inflammation and helps us to combat constipation. The almond helps to dilute bile acid and sterols, decreasing the risk of inflamed colon and diverticula.
It is an intestinal antiseptic.
It helps us with digestion and serves to improve gastrointestinal conditions. The fiber it contains also helps regulate the rate of absorption of sugars and cholesterol. So it enhances the level of good cholesterol (HDL), lowers the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) and levels out triglycerides.
Almonds have a balanced composition in essential amino acids. Although their proteins do not reach the quality of the proteins in milk and eggs.
Almond Milk
Almond milk is excellent in cases where there is a loss of potassium. Since almonds are calcium-rich they could be very helpful for the elderly as it helps prevention against osteoporosis, and it is equally useful for children and young people because it supports the formation of bones.It does not contain lactose or gluten so it is very good for people who suffer from lactose intolerance, that is, do not digest cow’s milk.
Side Effects
When almond milk is bought or purchased in the supermarket, one of the biggest disadvantages and the most obvious is that its sugar percentage is very high, compared to cow’s milk.almond does not contain natural sugar, but many of its manufacturers during its elaboration add the sugar to it to obtain a better flavor. Therefore we must be pending to the nutrition labels at the time of purchase, to know what we are getting. Milk brands of sugar-free almonds already exist on the market.
Almonds are a goitrogenic food , which can cause thyroid expansion. Whenever there is a high consumption, this can cause the formation of a goiter . Some of the goitrogenic foods are broccoli, corn, mustard, flax, soy, cabbage, and as we said, almonds , among others. Goitrogenic foods contain a chemical that blocks the intake of iodine (iodine is critical for thyroid function).
These can be harmful when consumed in large quantities by people with low thyroid function; they should be careful and consult with their doctor before consuming these foods. But also these foods are beneficial for people who have a healthy thyroid function and for the immune system. So in the case of these people the moderate consumption of almond milk, will not have adverse effects on their thyroid.
Important: Remember always to consult your doctor.
How to make almond milk at home
How Can You Prepare It?
It is easy…
12 almonds per glass of water.
You leave it to soak all night, and the next day you remove the skin.
Blend the almonds with a little more water, until they are well blended.
It is optional if you want to pour it or drink it as it is after liquefying them.
Pour the mixture into a fine strainer or cloth, squeeze it well with your hands in a jar.
If you wish you can add or add a little sugar (to your taste) and you can also add vanilla.
Then put it in the fridge, let it cool and ready!
