What are the health benefits of almonds?

Introduction: Those who believe in food therapy may already be aware of the health benefits of nuts, such as the many advantages of almonds. However, it is only in recent years that the nutritional value of nuts has become widely recognized. During holidays and festivals, the family table is no longer just adorned with oranges, apples, and pears; nuts have gradually become a part of daily life. So, what are the specific health benefits of almonds, and which groups of people are more suitable for eating them? With these questions in mind, let's delve into the knowledge about almonds.

Almond, Family Name: Rosaceae Distribution: Native to Central Asia, West Asia, and the Mediterranean region, and introduced to warm temperate zones. The almond fruit is flat and ovate, with one end round and the other pointed, covered with a thin brown skin. The kernel contains 20% protein, no starch, and when crushed and pressed, it yields about half its weight in oil. Almond oil is pale yellow and, although odorless, has a skin-softening effect.

Almond Nougat

The Effects of Almonds

1. Cough Suppressing and Asthma Relieving Effects

Bitter almonds contain amygdalin, which can be hydrolyzed by intestinal microbial enzymes or the emulsin present in the bitter almonds themselves, producing trace amounts of hydrocyanic acid and benzaldehyde. These substances inhibit the respiratory center, achieving a cough-suppressing and asthma-relieving effect.

2. Effects on the Digestive System

Bitter almonds have a bitter taste that promotes the downward flow of Qi and are rich in fatty oil. This fatty oil enhances the lubricating effect of intestinal contents on the mucous membrane, thus almonds have a function of moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements.

Almond Milk Tofu

3. Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects

The benzaldehyde produced from the decomposition of amygdalin reacts with benzoin condensing enzyme to form benzoin. Benzoin has analgesic properties; therefore, some people in China use bitter almonds to treat liver cancer to alleviate patient suffering, and some may even not need to take painkillers.

With so many benefits, we might as well add "a few lovely almonds" to our daily lives. Stir-frying them with meals also tastes great! As a small snack, they are nutritious, simple, and convenient, making them a good choice for office workers! Be careful not to eat bitter almonds, as they can contain certain toxins.

Homemade Almond Milk

Now that you know the health benefits of almonds, you can buy some to eat regularly. Of course, be sure to choose mature, edible almonds, and don't eat too much at once. After all, the oil content in nuts is relatively high, and consuming too much might actually be harmful to your health. Therefore, while paying attention to health knowledge, it's also important to master the methods and amounts of consumption. Too much is as bad as too little, which is also a good principle to follow for wellness. In fact, life is full of foods that can make you healthy; you just need a heart that can discover them.

Almond and Walnut Milk