Almonds grow on small trees that look like peaches. Its leaves are also elongated, and the flowering tree gives off a sweetish aroma, attracting insects from all sides. These trees are planted for the sake of obtaining fruits with dense large bones inside. If you break them, you will see a storehouse of useful substances and vitamins, namely, a nut under the same name "almonds". Despite the fact that seedlings were brought to our country from America, they perfectly took root in the middle lane, tolerate snowy winters and droughts well, love light and do not require special care. If you decide to plant it in your garden, then do not be surprised if you do not see the fruit for the first few years. Almonds only appear 4 years after planting. And you need to know the grade of walnut, as they are divided into a bitter and sweet type.
In the article, we consider the benefits and harms of roasted almonds, its calorie content, and the daily intake of this product. You will learn the varieties of nuts, how they are used by people. We will tell in detail how this nutritious nut is useful separately for women, and for the male half of humanity. The beneficial qualities of almonds have been appreciated by our ancient ancestors. Almonds were popular among both European nations and residents of the East. Scientists have discovered many useful properties of this product, we will share information and we are in the article.
Varieties of nuts
Before dwelling on the benefits and harms of roasted almonds, let's find out what types of it are in nature. There are sweet and bitter walnuts.
The first is used for food in raw and fried form, from it make sweet desserts, add crushed to cakes and pastries. If you go to the market with the aim of acquiring almonds, then buy a sweet variety.
Bitter nut is rarely found on sale. It cannot be eaten, as it is considered toxic and can cause symptoms of gastric poisoning. It is used to produce the famous Amaretto liqueur and almond oil. The shell and the kernels themselves are used in cosmetics, make scrubs, lotions and creams for hands and body.
You can distinguish between these two varieties of almonds by external signs. The sweet nut is smooth to the touch, and the bitter nut has deep grooves on its surface and slightly larger kernel sizes.
On sale you can find raw and roasted nuts. It is easy to determine by taste. Raw almonds are harder and have a dense structure. Fried is easier to bite, it is tastier and therefore more popular among buyers. Some people doubt which one is better to choose, the more beneficial is roasted or raw almonds. Let's take a closer look at the nutrients and vitamins contained in the nut.
The chemical composition of the nut
Almond kernels are incredibly high-calorie, so be sure to standardize the use of this product in food. 100 grams of raw nuts contain approximately the following amount of substances:
- Protein - 19 grams.
- Fat - 54 grams (as you can see, the nut is very saturated with oils).
- Carbohydrates - 13 grams.
- Fiber - 7 g.
- The rest is water.
Raw almonds contain more fat and water. During roasting, part of these substances is evaporated, so the calorie content of roasted almonds is less. However, all vitamins and minerals remain in place. Therefore, it is recommended to eat fried nuts. You can buy raw kernels and fry them yourself in a pan or in the oven at home.
You do not need to add oil, because you have already seen the high fat content in the nuts themselves. After cooling, almonds can be eaten or used for baking confectionery.
Next, we’ll look at the benefits and harm of raw and fried almonds to the body.
What is nut nut for heart and blood vessels
The high content of antioxidants, minerals and fatty acids in almonds helps the heart muscle and helps rid blood vessels of bad cholesterol. A large amount of vitamin E strengthens the walls of arteries, veins and capillaries, fights inflammatory diseases and protects them from small cracks and damage.
If you consume several almond kernels daily, then you will prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques on the inner walls of blood vessels and protect yourself from blood pressure spikes. Arginine and magnesium, copper and manganese, as well as calcium and potassium, which are found in abundance in almond tree nuts, will help relieve unnecessary stress from the main vessels of the body, which will facilitate the work of the heart muscle and lengthen its smooth operation.
Effect on brain function
The use of roasted almonds is also great for the successful functioning of the brain. Riboflabine and L-carnitine improve the conductivity of nerve fibers and stop possible senile dementia. It is enough to eat only a few kernels a day to avoid the occurrence of inflammatory processes in the brain that cause irreversible disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Weight Loss Controversy
Often when discussing the benefits and harms of roasted almonds, how many calories are contained in 100 grams of a product, there are discussions about the effect of nuts on the weight loss process. Some believe that quite high-calorie almonds can only increase the amount of calories eaten per day, because it contains a lot of fats. However, do not forget that these are unsaturated fatty acids useful for digestion, which, in combination with dietary fiber, perfectly saturate the body. In this case, only a few nuts are eaten.
Often overweight people suffer from spikes in blood sugar and have type 2 diabetes. Almonds can be used as light snacks that will prolong the feeling of fullness for a long time. Blood sugar levels remain stable and the body will not require food.
A number of scientists from different countries studying the issue of the benefits and harms of roasted almonds for the body have observed people who are on a diet and want to lose weight. If they ate daily roasted nuts, then they more easily tolerated the desire to eat and maintained a healthy body weight. As we emphasized earlier, raw nuts have more oil and are more nutritious than fried. Therefore, if you decide to control calorie intake, then dry a few nuts before eating.
The benefits of the digestive system
Considering the benefits and harms of roasted almonds, I would like to note the beneficial effect of probiotics on the digestive tract, especially, they are found in a lot of walnut skin. In combination with healthy fats and alkali-forming molecules, there is an improvement in both the absorption of nutrients during food and the growth of bacteria necessary for its processing. We are talking about Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. These bacteria are found in the stomach and intestines and help prevent diseases in the system, cope with metabolism and improve the general condition of the body.
Chinese scientists observed for 3 weeks a group of subjects who were given only 56 grams of nuts daily. Checked the stool for the presence of beneficial bacteria and revealed significant changes in the condition for the better.
Healthy skin and strong hair
Discussing the benefits of roasted or raw almonds, I would like to note the excellent results provided by vitamin E and minerals on the health of the skin and hair. If you regularly use almonds in small quantities, then you will see a decrease in inflamed areas, improving skin elasticity and health.
Trichologists recommend this nut for hair loss. Thanks to such medicinal properties, cosmetologists make hair masks and shampoos based on almond oil.
Effects on teeth and bones
Determination of the benefits and harms of roasted almonds by researchers has confirmed the presence of many trace elements and healthy vitamins in the kernels of nuts. Magnesium, calcium and phosphorus are considered important structural particles in the teeth and bone system. The use of almonds affects not only the strength of these human organs, but also prevents tooth decay.
It is especially recommended to eat fried almonds in old age, when there is a high risk of fractures during falls and the presence of senile osteoporosis.
Benefits and harm to the female body
The nuts we describe contain a large amount of folic acid, which contributes to the favorable course of pregnancy for women. The abundance of fatty acids promotes better absorption of nutrients for the development of the fetus and strengthens the baby's immunity even before birth.
Some doctors do not advise women to eat an excessive amount of nuts during pregnancy to avoid allergic manifestations in the newborn. It is also necessary to monitor the reaction of the baby during breastfeeding - do not the colic appear in the newborn. If you notice a negative reaction, consult your doctor and reduce the amount of almonds eaten or temporarily remove it from the diet.
If the baby reacts normally and there is no allergy or colic, then the woman will also benefit from the almonds in the postpartum period - it will relieve depression and will increase the nutritional value and fat content of mother’s milk. The amount of nuts eaten per day should not exceed 5 pieces.
The benefits and harms of roasted almonds for men
Doctors recommend that men after 30 years eat several pieces of fried sweet almonds daily. At this age, there is a decrease in desire. Nuts contain arginine, magnesium and calcium, which positively affect the male urogenital system - they prevent earlier ejaculation, improve potency and testosterone production. Zinc and selenium increase sperm quality.
You can see the positive effects of the beneficial substances contained in almonds on the appearance of the guys. You already know that this nut stimulates hair growth and strengthens the roots. In men, the process of baldness will noticeably slow down. The cosmetics of alternative medicine based on almond milk will also help stimulate the strengthening of bulbs and hair growth. A good effect on such problems is exerted by masks from chopped nuts.
Harm of Roasted Almonds
Nuts can cause undesirable allergic reactions when an excessive amount of kernels is eaten. The same can affect the digestion of a person. Bitter almonds contain prussic acid, and therefore can cause poisoning.
If you eat 5-7 nuts a day, then you are unlikely to experience negative reactions of the body to such a dietary supplement. Some believe that almonds are highly nutritious and should not be eaten when losing weight. It is estimated that 100 grams of raw walnut contains 645 kcal, and when roasted - 597 kcal. Only 6-7 calories fall on one nut.
The main thing is to use everything in moderation, and almonds will only benefit the person.