Almonds or Badam is a highly recommended nut by almost all dieticians for its innumerable benefits. If you want to lead a healthy lifestyle without compromising on diet, all you need is a fistful of these crunchy wonders.

Almonds in a bowl

If taken regularly, Almonds not only make your heart healthy and happy but will induce a glow into your skin and make your hair glossy.

Almonds belong to the family of drupe nuts which means it is covered with a hard shell with multiple layers like macadamia and walnuts.

Experts recommend that Almonds are more beneficial if consumed after soaking them in water for few hours and peeling the skin.

Here are some of the benefits you can expect from your daily dose of almonds:

Lowers Cholesterol: Almonds a good bet if you want to reduce your cholesterol levels. These nuts are low in saturated fatty acids and rich in unsaturated fatty acids, loaded with antioxidant flavonoids that improve artery health and reduce inflammation.

Heart Care: Almonds hold many important nutrients like arginine, magnesium, copper, manganese, potassium and calcium which play a crucial role in reducing LDL (the bad) cholesterol and prevent plaque buildup within the walls of arteries.  It also contributes to improving the good cholesterol levels and blood pressure, thus reducing the risk of heart related ailments.

Brainy Nut: Almonds and great brain function are closely related, thanks to riboflavin and L-Carnitine capable of promoting neurological activity. Pregnant women are strongly recommended to eat 5 to 6 Almonds daily for a better mental growth of the fetus.   

Skin and Hair Glow: These crunchy delights are a major source of Vitamin E. It contains several compounds like Quercetin, Kaempferol and Isorhamnetin that help in fighting skin cancer and reverse various skin conditions caused due to diet, pollution and UV radiation. Massaging lukewarm Almond oil benefits the hair and leaves the hair nourished and silky.

Lowers Blood Sugar: Almonds are rich in Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA) that helps in slowing down the absorption of sugars into the blood stream, thus regulating blood sugar levels. These nuts also help in preventing overweight, inflammation and stress, major contributors for diabetes.

How to Eat Almonds:

  • Soak a fistful of almonds in lukewarm water for 3 hours and peel off the skin.
  • Relish it as your mid-day snack or add it to your salads, soups for that crunchy feel.
  • Make your own Almond butter by grinding soaked and peeled nuts in a food processor until smooth. Spread it on your bread, roti and enjoy.
  • Substitute Almond flour to bread crumbs and use it instead of gluten-rich flours in baking.