Benefits of Almonds

Almonds are eaten by every one in almost all the parts of world and it is not entirely without reason that price of almonds is increasing fast as compared to other nuts. This is because of their unsurpassed nutritive value and as well as functional importance in keeping the human body supple, beautiful and healthy, it is one of the most sought species in the nut kingdom.

Nearly cholesterol free and abundant in high quality, highly absorb able protein, almonds provide almost no useless material to the body. Their high monounsaturated fats (that fight bad cholesterol) and dietary fiber content make them easy to digest, provides heat in the body and also ensure no excess oils, like some other nuts.

Almond

The word "almond" comes from old French almande or alemande, derived from the Greek word amygdala and is used to describe objects particularly which have a shape which is part way between a triangle and an ellipse. 

The almond that we think of as a nut is technically the seed of the fruit of the almond tree, a medium-size tree that bears fragrant pink and white flowers. Like its cousins, the peach, cherry and apricot trees, the almond tree bears fruits with stone-like seeds (or pits) within. 

The seed of the almond fruit is what we refer to as the almond nut. Almond is not a "nut" actually it is a drupe belonging to species of Prunus belonging to the sub-family Prunoideae of the family Rosaceae.

Almonds are off-white in color, covered by a thin brownish skin, and encased in a hard shell. Almonds are classified into two categories: sweet (Prunus amygdalu var. dulcis) and bitter (Prunus amygdalu var. amara).

Sweet almonds are the type that is eaten. Bitter almonds are used to make almond oil that is used as a flavoring agent for foods and liqueurs such as Amaretto. They are otherwise inedible as they naturally contain toxic substances such as hydrocyanic acid. These compounds are removed in the manufacturing of almond oil.

Almonds are not only delicious, versatile, and portable, but are nutritionally very beneficial. Almond is a rich source of vitamin E, calcium, phosphorous, iron and magnesium. It also contains zinc, selenium, copper and niacin. Almonds contain the most nutrients in comparison to all other dry fruits & nuts.

Fortunately, the delicately flavored and versatile almond is available throughout the year to make a healthy and tasty addition to both sweet and savory dishes. United States is the largest producer of almond and it is also found in places like Spain, Iran, Italy, Turkey, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria and China.

Besides having great medicinal value it also helps in getting healthy hair, good skin and managing healthy cholesterol levels.

Almonds provide several health benefits that are not known to everyone. 

Boosts energy: The presence of manganese, copper and Riboflavin helps in energy production.

Good for brain: Almond is a source of many nutrients which help in development of the brain. Almond induces high intellectual level and has been considered as an essential food item for growing children. Many mothers give almonds soaked in water to their children daily in the morning.

Good for heart:  Almonds help reduce C-reactive protein which causes artery-damaging inflammation. Almond is also a source of folic acid. They therefore help to reduce the level of homocystein, which causes fatty plaque buildup in arteries. Mono-saturated fat, protein and potassium contained in almonds are good for the heart. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and reduces the risk of heart diseases. The presence of magnesium in almonds helps to avoid heart attacks.

Good in pregnancy: Almond contains folic acid. Folic acid helps to reduce the incidence of birth defects in newborn babies.

Skin care: The benefits of almond for skin care are well known, and hence a massage with almond oil is often recommended for new born babies. Almond milk is also added in some soaps as almonds help in improving the complexion of the skin.

Regulates blood pressure: Potassium present in almond helps to regulates blood pressure. Almonds are very low in sodium which also helps in containing blood pressure.

Regulates cholesterol: Regular consumption of almonds helps to increase the level of high density lipoproteins (HDL) and reduce the level of low density lipoproteins (LDL), thereby effectively controlling cholesterol levels. LDL cholesterol is called bad cholesterol.

Prevention of cancer: Almond improves the movement of food through the colon, thereby preventing colon cancer.

Protection against diabetes: Almonds also help in reducing the rise in sugar and insulin levels after meals. This offers protection from diabetes.

Prevention of constipation: Almonds are rich in fibre. Like most other fibre rich food, almonds also help in preventing constipation. Make sure you drink good amount of water after eating almonds.

Weight loss: Unsweetened almond milk helps one to reduce weight. The mono-saturated fat contained in almonds satisfies appetite and prevents over-eating. Studies have revealed that almond rich low calorie diet is good for obese people to assist in shedding their weight.

Did you find this post useful please share your experience regarding almonds in comment box

Natural treatment & home remedies to cure dark circles

Dark circles on eyes are due to various reasons. Fatigue and lack of sleep also causes dark circles. Sinus problems and pregnancy also causes dark circles. Skeleton of the skull, which may get in eyes also develop deep shadows usually called dark circles. 

Perhaps a lack of essential nutrients in the diet can also cause dark circles. Hormonal imbalances, which can be the product of pregnancy, menstruation or menopause can also cause dark circles. Skin under the eyes also turns dark as we advance in age.

Now, if there are a thousand reasons to develop dark circles, are there any ways to deal with them?

Yes, fortunately there are several Natural remedies available at your fingertips. 



Given below are some effective dark circles home remedies. The treatment methods listed below are natural treatment for dark circles. This also include a few healthy lifestyle and diet plans too. 

1. Cucumber is a very good astringent and skin toner. Grate cucumber in a food processor or by hand and squeeze the juice out. Dip two cotton balls in it and apply in on the dark circles on the eyes. Leave it for some time before removing. This not only relaxes eyes but removes dark circles
2. Potato instead of cucumber can be taken and the same process can be applied to remove dark circles
3. Lemon juice, orange lentil flour, puree of tomato and turmeric paste when blended and applied on the eyes and are left for quarter of an hour is a very good remedy for dark circles. It must be washed off after the period.
4. Drinking of plain drinking water about fifteen glasses per day is also an effective remedy.
5. Vegetables and fruits which are fresh and are rich in fibrous contents keep the system clear of toxins and thus prevent dark circles under the eyes.
6. A sleep of at least seven to eight hours is necessary for a healthy man. A lack of sleep can also cause dark circles.
7. What can be more effective remedy than to allow the body to cure by its own? For this one must practice yoga as well as meditation that keep the mind and body relaxed and enhance skin glow besides removing dark circles. Sarvang-asana, jal- neti and sutra- neti are known to be effective in this regard.
8. A person having sweet tooth is more prone to dark circles so one must practice self penance and abstain from consuming any sort of chocolate and sweets.
9. Cotton balls dipped in rose water and then placed on the eyes and left for some time does the miracle of curing or removing the dark circles.
10. Application of cold tea bags on the affected eyes and leaving it for a moment is an effective way of removing dark circles.
11. Mint leaves paste added to tomato juice and then applied on the dark circles also cures them effectively.
12. Almond oil has been a time tested remedy for dark circles. Apply some drops of oil and rub it around the dark circles. Leave it over night. Repeat the process daily until one is cured of the dark circles.
13. A dollop of cream applied under the eye , left for a brief period and then washed off also does the wonder of removing dark circles under the eyes.
14. Vitamin C and Iron are said to be the essential food supplements for removing dark circles. De-skinned chicken, pepper of red, yellow and orange variety are very good for removing the dark circles and thus enhance beauty.
15. One can even apply cream rich in Vitamin E and Vitamin C for reducing the dark circles around the eyes.
16. Abstinence from smoking, drinking, eating junk foods and maintaining a disciplined lifestyle helps in removing dark circles from under the eyes.
17. Chemical bleach can damage the under eye skin causing dark circles so one should not bleach but replace it with some natural face packs that do not harm under eye skins.
18. Drinking of fruit juice devoid of preservative and in its natural form also helps heal dark circles.