The Almond

Health Tip Week September 20-24, 2010

The Almond: a power food, tasty tidbit, and excellent source of vitamin E

The Almond is the seed of the fruit of the almond tree. The almond tree bears fruits with stone like seeds (or pits) within. Almonds are off-white in color, covered by a thin brownish skin, and encased in a hard shell. 

  

Types of Almonds:

• 
  
  Sweet almond - sweet almonds are oval in shape, usually malleable in texture and has a buttery taste. 
• 
  
  Bitter almond - used to make almond oil that is used as a flavoring agent for foods and liqueurs.

Almond Oil: is extracted by cold process from the dried kemel of the plant. Almond oil is mild, lightweight oil, rich in unsaturated fats and essential fatty acids which are easily absorbed into the skin.

Nutrient Contents:

• 
  
  Vitamin E
• 
  
  Potassium
• 
  
  Flavnoids
• 
  
  Protein
• 
  
  Magnesium
• 
  
  Monounsaturated fat (healthy fat)

Health Benefits (Whole Almonds with skins):

• Regulates:
• Blood Pressure 
• Cholesterol
• Heart Prevention:
• Reduces Heart Disease and Heart Attack 
• Skin Care (smooth wrinkles)
• Rich in Monounsaturated fats (good fats)
• Prevention of some Cancers
• Protection Against Diabetes (keeps blood sugar under control)
• Prevents Gallstones
• Helps Reduce Weight (unsweetened almond milk)
• Prevents Constipation (improve movement of food through colon)
• Anti-inflammatory
• Boosts Energy

Remember eating a handful of almonds a day may lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, reduce heart disease, heart attack, diabetes, and can help in weight loss. I eat a cup of almonds a day, cook with almond oil , and use pure almond oil as an after shower body/skin softener and moisturizer.

Let us know how you use almonds and  its products?

Live well
Doc V