Health Benefits of Almonds | Characteristics | Nutritional Facts | Daily Intake |

Almonds are a versatile and widely popular nut, with different varieties offering unique properties. Here we discuss the common varieties of almonds, their tree characteristics and their fruits. 

Characteristics of the tree:

The almond tree is relatively small, comparable in size to a pomegranate or a bay tree. The trees produce fruits that turn pale white when fully grown and fall in bunches. Almond blossoms are slightly elongated, with red-spotted white petals and tiny yellow flowers inside that appear either isolated or spaced apart.

Properties of almond fruit:

The almond begins to bear fruit in the third or fourth year after sowing and continues to do so annually for many years. The almond fruit has three layers of skin around the pulp. At first, these skins do not interact with each other, but over time the pulp hardens and the skin hardens.

🔹Initial stage:

The flesh of the almond is smooth and sweet, and the outer skin of the fruit is velvety or lacrimal when well-ripened and dry. At this stage the fruit is soft and delicious.

🔹Upon Ripening:

As the fruit dries, the outer skin becomes softer and eventually separates by itself or by rubbing.

There are two types of almond skins:

1.Paper Almond:

A thin skin that breaks easily, known for its delicious and tender flesh.

2.Small almond:

Thick and hard skin, less smooth and tasty compared to paper almonds.

 Ideal daily intake of almonds:

Health experts recommend consuming 23 almonds a day, or roughly a handful. This amount provides numerous health benefits without leading to excessive calorie intake, which can cause weight gain.

Nutritional information of almonds (per 100 grams):

Calories: 579

Protein: 21.2 grams

Fat: 49.9 grams

Monounsaturated fat: 31.6 grams

Polyunsaturated fats: 12.5 grams

Carbohydrates: 21.6 grams

Fiber: 12.5 grams

Sugar: 4.4 grams

Vitamin E: 25.6 mg (172% DV)

Magnesium: 270 mg (67% DV)

Calcium: 269 mg (27% DV)

Iron: 3.7 mg (21% DV) 

Health benefits of almonds:

Almonds offer a number of health benefits, making them an excellent addition to a balanced diet.

 Seasonal suitability:

Almonds are suitable for consumption in summer and winter and provide moderate nutritional benefits throughout the year.

Health benefits:

1.Body Protection:

Almonds help protect the body's strength and provide moderate nutrition, contributing to healthy body fat.

2.Generating Heat:

They produce heat and help relieve pain in the chest and neck.

3.Digestive Health:

Almonds do not cause constipation and help with mild constipation.

4.Cognitive and Physical Strength: Strengthens the mind, arms and eyesight and benefits the chest when consumed in licked form.

5.Stomach Health:

Ground and crushed almonds may cause a feeling of heaviness in the stomach, but they settle slowly and aid digestion.

6.Kidney Health:

Almonds have a powerful effect on kidney regeneration and can help reduce the symptoms of fungus, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite.

7.Oral Health:

Burning almond bark and applying it to the throat and teeth strengthens the gums and teeth.

8.Constipation and bleeding:

Almonds prevent bleeding, are beneficial for gallstones and relieve dry constipation.

By including almonds in your daily diet, you can enjoy these numerous health benefits while meeting your nutritional needs.