Benefits of the consumption of almonds

  • Almonds & Health

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Almonds are one of the dried fruits which is most nutritional and beneficial for health that exist as they help to prevent many diseases.

They contain; water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates and cellulose; vitamins B1, B2, PP, C, A, D and E; calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulphur, chlorine, manganese, copper and zinc. They also contain the eight essential amino acids. Almonds are an essential part of a healthy, balanced diet.

This dried fruit is one of the few sources of vegetable proteins which contain arginine, an amino acid essential for children.

It has a notable amount of soluble fibre (10%), which benefits gastrointestinal transit.

The almond is also rich in proteins (19 g/100 g), an amount similar to meat. For this reason, almonds and dried fruits in general have substantial importance in vegetarian diets.

The content in iron is another of the virtues of this delicious dried fruit. Fifty grams of almonds contribute a dosage of iron very similar to that of spinach.

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They are rich in oleic acid, famous for its beneficial effects on cardiovascular and hepatic health. It increases the so-called good cholesterol (HDL) and reduces bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood, therefore it has a beneficial effect on the vascular system and the heart, thus reducing the risk of suffering cardiovascular disease.

Another point to take into account is its content in linoleic acid (omega-6), fatty acid essential for the organism which does not synthesise this and must be obtained in the diet.

The almond is one of the dried fruits with the greatest supply of vitamin E, and its consumption plays a valuable antioxidant role.

The almond can form part of the nutrition of a diabetic.

Almonds contain a substantial proportion of salicylates, salts formed by salicylic acid and a base which constitutes the principal active agent of the aspirin, In addition, due to its high calorie and protein value, almonds help the regeneration of the nervous system and they are a good intestinal antiseptic. They are especially recommended for children owing to their rich content of calcium and proteins; for vegetarians, owing to their supply of iron and proteins; and for persons with hypercholesterolemia, osteoporosis, weight deficit, diabetes and those intolerant to lactose.