The sweet almond itself contains practically no carbohydrates and may therefore be made into flour for cakes and cookies (biscuits) for low-carbohydrate diets or for patients suffering from diabetes mellitus or any other form of glycosuria. Almond flour is gluten-free and therefore a popular ingredient in cookery in place of wheat flour for gluten-sensitive people and people with wheat allergies and coeliac disease. A standard serving of almond flour, 1 cup, contains 20 grams of carbohydrates, of which 10 g is dietary fibre, for a net of 10 g of carbohydrate per cup. This makes almond flour very desirable for use in cake and bread recipes by people on carbohydrate-restricted diets.
Almonds are a rich source of Vitamin E, containing 24 mg per 100 g. They are also rich in monounsaturated fat, one of the two “good” fats responsible for lowering LDL cholestero
Claimed health benefits of almonds include improved complexion, improved movement of food through the colon (feces) and the prevention of cancer. Recent research associates the inclusion of almonds in the diet with elevating the blood levels of high density lipoproteins and of lowering the levels of low density lipoproteins.
A controlled trial showed that 73g of almonds in the daily diet reduced LDL cholesterol by as much as 9.4%, reduced the LDL:HDL ratio by 12.0%, and increased HDL-cholesterol (i.e., the good cholesterol) by 4.6%.
In Ayurveda, an ancient system of health care that is native to the Indian subcontinent, almond is considered a nutritive for brain and nervous system. It is said to induce high intellectual level and longevity. Almond oil is called Roghan Badam in both Ayurveda and Tibb Yunani طب يوناني (the Greco-Persian System of Medicine). It is extracted by cold process and is considered a nutritive aphrodisiac both for massage and internal consumption. Recent studies have shown that the constituents of almond have anti-inflammatory, immunity boosting, and anti-hepatotoxicity effects.
Health benefits:
- lower the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or the bad cholesterol, while maintaining healthy high-density lipoproteins or good cholesterol levels.
- prevent premature appearance of wrinkles, black heads, pimples and dry skin as well; regular massage with almond oil will help to get a glowing and flawless complexion.
- almond oil is used to treat black circles around the eyes, since almond oil helps to re-vitalize the fatigues cells and improv
e the blood flow. - almond oil is useful for treating all sorts of hair problems;it helps as a cure for treating hair-fall, dandruff and avoids untimely graying of hair .
- have an extremely high nutritive value since they contain copper, iron and vitamins and are hence used as a remedy for anemia.
- treats constipation ( increase the fiber content of the food).
- decrease the after-meal rises in blood sugar and are hence help in maintaining a healthy blood sugar level.
- have antioxidant properties and are hence very beneficial for the health.
- almond oil rejuvenates the body and replenishes the skin; also known to relieve the stress.
- babies who have lactose intolerance, can be given a mixture of powdered almonds mixed with warm water, which provides as much if not more nutrition as milk.
- contain Alpha – tocopherol, which is a major source of Vitamin E - great for healthy hair and skin.
- increase the blood flow to the vital organs and are also used as aphrodisiacs.
- provide nutrients that help to increase the bone mineral density, which helps to strengthen the skeletal system. Owing to this it can also be considered as a remedy to cope up with osteoporosis in the elderly.
- sweet almond oil, which is one of the essential oils in aromatherapy and is frequently used as carrier oil.
- almond oil also possesses laxative properties and helps to produce soft stools and avoid any other problems of the digestive system
source: www.wikipedia.org
Nutritional value of almond
| Principle | Nutrient Value | Percentage of RDA |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 575 Kcal | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 21.67 g | 16% |
| Protein | 21.22 g | 38% |
| Total Fat | 49.42 g | 165% |
| Cholesterol | 0 g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.20 g | 30% |
| Vitamins | ||
| Folates | 50 mcg | 12.5% |
| Niacin | 3.385 mg | 21% |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.47 mg | 9% |
| Pyridoxine | 0.143 mg | 11% |
| Riboflavin | 1.014 mg | 78% |
| Thiamin | 0.211 mg | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 1 IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0 | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 26 mg | 173% |
| Electrolytes | ||
| Sodium | 1 mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 705 mg | 15% |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 264 mg | 26% |
| Copper | 0.996 mg | 110% |
| Iron | 3.72 mg | 46.5% |
| Magnesium | 268 mg | 67% |
| Manganese | 2.285 mg | 99% |
| Phosphorus | 484 mg | 69% |
| Selenium | 2.5 mcg | 4.5% |
| Zinc | 3.08 mg | 28% |
| Phyto-nutrients | ||
| Carotene-β | 1 mcg | – |
| Crypto-xanthin-β | 0 mcg | – |
| Lutein-zeaxanthin, | 1 mcg | – |
Source: USDA National Nutrient Database
Almond milk
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1 cup water + 3 cups water
- 2 dates (optional)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla (optional)
Soak the almonds in the 1 cup of water overnight or for at least 6-8 hours.
Drain the water from the almonds and discard. Blend the 3 cups of water, almonds and dates until well blended and almost smooth.
Strain the mixture using a cheesecloth or other strainer.
You can keep it in refrigerator for three or four days.
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