Almond and its benefits

Almond is a deciduous tree and it grows to a height of 13 to 33 feet. In the beginning the young twigs are green in color. When exposed to sunlight, it turns purplish and grey color in the second year. The length of the leaves is between 3 and 5 inches. The flowers have 5 petals. The suitable climate for the tree is a Mediterranean climate. In the third year it started to give its yield. The almond fruit is a drupe.  Almond is a native of the Middle East, North Africa and India. Almond is also grown in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, Israel, Jordan and Syria. The fruit has sweet and bitter taste. Almond varieties are Nonpariel, Neplus, Carmel, Peerless, Price, Butte, Sonora, Monterey and Aldrich Almonds are available in whole, slivered and flour form. Almond oil and almond milk or almond butter is used in several pastries, cookies, cakes, sweets and desserts. Almonds are sprinkled along with other nuts in the desserts. 

Kingdom: Plantae

Order: Angiosperms

Families: Roasceae

Genus: Prunus

Species: Prunus duicis

Nutritional value of Almond:

The important nutritional elements of Almond are vitamin A, Thiamine (B₁), Riboflavin (B₂), Niacin (B₃), Pantothenic acid (B₅), vitamin B₆, Folate (B₉), Choline, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, Calcium, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Magnesium, Phosphorous, Potassium, Selenium, Sodium and Zinc. It also contains protein such as Tryptophan, Threonine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methlonine, Cystine, Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, Valine, Arginine, Histidine, Alanine, Aspartic acid, Glutamic acid, Glycine, Proline and Serine.

Health benefits of Almonds:

Almond boost brain health, improve bone, regulate Cholesterol level, prevent heart diseases, reduce inflammation, strengthen the immune system, aid skin health, regulate blood pressure, aid weight loss and prevent constipation.   

Word of caution: Almond should be consumed moderately. Avoid consuming bitter almonds since it contain cyanide.  Consuming too much of bitter almonds will cause health issues.

(Medical Disclaimer: The information’s provided in this website are envisioned exclusively for the general information for the reader. Don’t diagnose the health problems or for treatment purposes using the articles. It is not an auxiliary for medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. Please consult your health care professional for any advice on medications.)