Almonds (Rosaceae)

ORIGIN & VARIETIES Almonds are native to North Africa, India and and have spread around the Mediterranean basin. Spain, Italy, Morocco and Portugal are countries known for their almond production to date. The United States is the largest producer of almonds, coming from California - almond trees were originally brought to CA by Spanish missions.
There are two types of almonds, sweet that is eaten and bitter used for almond oil, extract and liqueurs.

IN SEASON Fresh green almonds are tender and fragrant. They are the first fruit to appear in the spring and have a short shelf life. The dried varieties are found year round.

HEALTH BENEFITS

ANTI-CANCER

Almonds promote good bowel movement especially the passage of food through the colon, thus preventing colon cancer. Nuts! 

ANTIOXIDANTS

Highly alkaline and rich in the antioxidant vitamin E, almonds eradicate free radicals in the body causing heart disease and cancer. 

BONE HEALTH

Rich in vitamins and minerals like phosphorus, almonds contribute to bone and teeth health and longevity. They also prevent the start of age-related conditions like osteoporosis.

BOWEL BUSINESS

Being rich in fiber, almonds are great to relieve from constipation when consumed with a good amount of water. Keep in mind that almond sar epotent and 4 to 5 are enough!

BRAIN HEALTH

Almonds are essential dried fruits that contain riboflavin and L-Carnitine which increase brain activity. Almonds also decrease risks of Alzheimer’s disease.

DIABETES FRIENDLY

Almonds regulate sugar and insulin levels, they are your friends.

FIGHT AENEMIA

Almonds contain enough iron and copper to promote the formation of hemoglobin, a good support to boost your metabolism and anemia.

GLOW

Almond oil is known and favored among skin care products as it moisturizes and improves the complexion of the skin.

HEART HEALTH

Mono-unsaturated fats, protein and potassium in almonds promote overall heart health and regulate blood pressure.
The antioxidant vitamin E reduces risks of heart disease and magnesium help avoid heart attacks.
Rich in folate, almonds reduce the levels of homocysteine, principal cause of fatty plaque deposit in arteries. Flavonoids, found in almond skin protect and maintain healthy artery walls.

A regular consumption of almonds helps decrease LDL (bad) cholesterol and encourage a raise in HDL (good) cholesterol.

PROTECT YOUR BABY

Useful during pregnancy almonds will contribute to the healthy growth of bones, teeth, skin, muscles and blood vessels of your baby –thanks to all the vitamins and minerals there. The amount of folate in almonds will prevent neural tube defects.

WEIGHTLOSS

Almonds and pure unsweetened almond milk will assist in your weight loss plan. High in dietary fiber and mono-unsaturated fats will keep you fuller longer, will prevent over-eating and promote good bowel movement.

ADVERSE INTERACTIONS

SKIN

Almond skin may cause allergies in some people. Peeling almonds will not strip the nutritive content as most nutrients are in the seeds.

CRYSTALLISATION

People with kidney or gallbladder issues should avoid eating almonds as they contain oxalates which cause kidney stones.