Going ‘Nuts’’- Discovering Almonds

By Peace Pessu

If I were to be an animal, I would most likely be a squirrel, because I love nuts! I am surprised I do not have the acne invasion people presume to be the result of eating nuts.

Recently, while visiting a friend, I was served almonds, I ate them and I fell in love with them like a rodent (I sure they won’t mind an additional human family member…lol). They tasted so lovely and I couldn’t get enough!

As usual, curiosity got the better of me and I had to do some research to understand this new ‘nutsy’ love I had found. To my amazement I found my discovery of the health benefits were numerous and honestly, if you find out too I bet you would agree with me and ditch a lot of these synthesized supplement stuff.

Okay! Enough of the rambling like a squirrel, let me share with you what I discovered about the almond nut:

• Good for the brain: Almonds help in the development of the brain, inducing high intellectual level and are essential for growing children (Mothers take note).
• Regulates cholesterol: In this time and age where we are cholesterol conscious, regular consumption of these nuts increases the level of High Density Lipoproteins (HDL) and reduces Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) hence controlling the bad cholesterol.
• Reduces risk of heart disease: Loaded with mono-saturated fats, proteins and potassium, almonds are good for the heart and control of blood pressure. The Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and reduces the risk of heart diseases. The presence of Magnesium helps to avoid heart attacks.
• Nourishes skin: The oil extracted from the almond nut is beneficial to the skin and recommended for new born babies.
• Helps prevention cancer: These nutritious nuts increase the movement of food through the colon thereby preventing colon cancer.
• Protects against diabetes:  Almonds help to reduce the rise of sugar and insulin after meals thus offering protection from diabetes.
•  Good in pregnancy: Containing folic acid, almonds reduce the incidence of birth defects in newborn babies.
• Supports weight loss: Unsweetened almond milk helps to reduce weight. The mono saturated fats satisfy appetite and prevent over-eating. Studies have shown that almond rich low calorie diet is good for obese people who want to shed weight.
• Prevention of constipation: rich in fibre, they help in preventing constipation by enabling bowel movement.

I could go on and on singing the praises of the tastefully nutritious nut if space would let me but I believe the little I have provided is convincing enough to make you try it out for yourself. You could use them in a variety of delicacies and spice up (or should I say, ‘nuts’ up) your daily regular meals.