Almonds have been revered as a healthy food source for thousands of years, with their history dating back as far as the Bible’s ‘Book of Numbers’. Today, almonds are still considered a nutrient-packed ingredient, providing those who consume them with a variety of vitamins and minerals and a number of health benefits. Here are just 10 of the many health benefits that you could see from eating almonds on a regular basis.A better memory
Almonds contain a number of nutrients that help to improve cognitive function and to delay age-related brain decline. Alongside, Vitamin E, folate and fiber, almonds are also a great source of phytochemicals that act as antioxidants to reduce inflammation in the brain, and so eating just a single serving (28g) of almonds a day can help to keep your brain healthy and will improve the longevity of your memory.
Improved hair growth
Almonds are also a great source of Vitamin B7, also known as Biotin. Vitamin B7 is needed by the body for the creation of glucose molecules and helps to promote hair and nail growth. People have been taking Biotin supplements for years to help their hair grow thicker and their nails to grow stronger when they could be getting their biotin naturally from a far more delicious source.
Lower cholesterol levels
A daily serving of almonds, which are naturally filled with healthy fats, has been proven to help reduce levels of LDL lipoprotein in the blood, leading to lower cholesterol levels. Having lower cholesterol levels is better all-round, and takes a significant strain off of your heart.
Better cardiovascular health
Alongside helping to reduce cholesterol levels, almonds are also one of the world’s best sources of Vitamin E, with a single serving providing 37% of a person’s recommended daily intake. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and when combined with healthier cholesterol levels has been scientifically proven to help prevent heart disease.
A healthier blood pressure
A deficiency in magnesium has been strongly linked to higher blood pressure levels, even in individuals who aren’t overweight. Thankfully, almonds are a great source of magnesium with a single serving providing 20% of a person’s recommended daily intake.
Easier weight management
Despite being high in healthy fats, almonds are a great weight loss food, helping to keep you feeling fuller for longer whilst also providing many essential nutrients. There have been many studies conducted on almonds with relation to weight loss, with one finding that those who ate a daily serving of almonds increased their weight loss by 62% compared to those who avoided the nuts and ate a diet rich in complex carbohydrates.
Alongside providing a significant amount of potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, and copper, almonds are also a great source of calcium and all of these minerals help to keep bones healthy and strong.
If you find that your energy levels tend to rise and fall throughout the day, then you may have difficulty regulating your blood sugar levels. Almonds are a great source of magnesium which helps your body to regulate your blood sugar, leading to improved and more consistent energy release throughout the day.
Lower risk of cancer
Vitamin E, found in high quantities in almonds, isn’t only beneficial for helping to prevent heart disease but can help to lower the risk of cancer too - making it worthwhile to eat the recommended serving every day.
Finally, almonds are also a great source of fiber, which gives them beneficial prebiotic properties that help to improve the health of your gastrointestinal tract. Just a single serving of almonds provides 3.5g of fiber, which is the same amount as a whole cup of cooked brown rice.
So there you have it, 10 wonderous health benefits of eating almonds regularly. So whether you’re looking for more energy, are warding off age-related diseases, are looking to lose weight or simply want to boost your vitamin and mineral intake, then grab yourself a serving of almonds.