Almonds Help To Improve Brain Health, Read 4 Health Benefits

Almonds (Prunus amygdalus) are the seed of the fruit of the almond tree. Known as ‘Badaam’ in Hindi, they are a treasure chests of various health benefits.

The almond tree has fragrant white and pink flowers and fruits with stone-like seeds within. The seed of the almond fruit is what we consume as the almond nut. They are oval in shape, off-white in colour, covered with a thin orangish-brown skin.

Almonds are classified into two groups – sweet and bitter. Sweet almonds are the ones that are consumed and have a buttery taste. They are consumed either with or without the skin. Bitter almonds are utilised to make almond oil.

Almonds possess various essential minerals, fiber, vitamins, and polyphenols. They comprise of copper, zinc, calcium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, iron, thiamin, Vitamin B, & E. They are low in carbohydrates. In the seed and skin, almonds contain phenolic acids, tannins, stilbenes, flavonoids, and lignans in varying proportions.

# Boost brain health

1. The mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids, and polyphenols content of almonds prevent or delays the onset of age-related cognitive disorders and amnesia.

2. The high content of riboflavin and L-carnitine present in almonds prevents cognitive decline and maintains healthy neurological activity.

3. The vitamin E content of almonds helps in slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

# Promotes heart health

1. The high content of fatty acids and antioxidants found in almonds promotes heart health and protects the cardiovascular system.

2. The antioxidant flavonoids, found in the skin of almonds, avert the chances of developing cardiovascular diseases.

3. The calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, copper, and arginine components of badaam support the cardiovascular functions.

4. The polyunsaturated and the monounsaturated fats present in almonds help in lowering the ‘bad’ cholesterol and improving the ‘good’ cholesterol.

5. The magnesium content of almonds reduces high blood pressure levels.

6. The folic acid, L-arginine, vitamin B, and vitamin E contents of almonds modulates the vascular function of the circulatory system.

7. Almond protects against high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and coronary heart disease.

# Strengthens bones

1. Calcium is required to build and maintain bone tissues. The presence of trace minerals such as calcium and phosphorous in almonds helps in building strong bones and fight against osteoporosis.

2. The presence of magnesium, calcium, manganese, vitamin K, copper, protein, and zinc contributes to bone health.

3. Almonds reduce the risk of fractures.

# Other possible benefits

Almond produces numerous health benefits, apart from the health benefits mentioned above, it also produces few more such as improves the skin health, prevents diabetes, stimulates hair growth, prevents weight gain and overeating, increases the nutrient absorption, ensures digestive health, prevent inflammation, fights cancer, boosts the immune system, treats erectile dysfunction, treats polycystic ovarian syndrome, enhances hair; skin; and nail health, and promotes eye health.