6 Least Known Health Benefits Of Almonds

Almonds are packed with vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber, and are associated with a number of health benefits. Just a handful of almonds — approximately 1 ounce — contain one-eighth of our daily protein needs. Let us look at some of these benefits.

# Prevent Cancer

The fiber present in almonds helps in detoxifying the body. It enables food to move through the digestive system more efficiently. This process cleanses the digestive system. The National Cancer Institute has released a study stating that high-fiber diets lower the risk of colon cancer. Therefore, almonds can be listed under foods that prevent colon cancer as they have high fiber content. Almonds are also an excellent reserve of vitamin E, Phytochemicals, and flavonoids, which controls the progression of breast cancer cells.

# Boost Brain Health

Almonds are a rich source of many nutrients which help in the development and health of the human brain. They have been connected to a higher intellectual level and they have long been considered an essential food item for growing children. These dry fruits also contain two vital brain nutrients, riboflavin, and L-carnitine, which have been shown to increase brain activity, resulting in new neural pathways and a decreased occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have shown that almonds in the diet, as well as almond oil, is nutritive to the overall health and functioning of the nervous system.

# Skincare

The presence of vitamin E and other beneficial minerals make almond oil an excellent option for skincare. Almond oil massages are usually recommended for newborn babies, while almond milk is often added to some soaps due to their complexion-improving capabilities.

# Help With Weight Loss and Prevent Overeating

Healthy fats and dietary fiber aid in weight loss because they help you feel full, which curbs overeating and unhealthy snacking. Although nuts are high in fat and calories, they prolong the feeling of satisfaction after you eat and keep your blood sugar more stable than low-fat meals do. Thus, you’re less likely to experience a roller-coaster of energy dips and food cravings. Studies even show that almonds support a healthy metabolism. Also, people who frequently eat almonds and other nuts retain healthier body weights and lower rates of obesity over time compared to those who avoid nuts. Other studies show that when dieters eat almonds daily, they are less likely to overconsume carbohydrates and more likely to reach and maintain a healthier body weight.

# Boosts the Immune System

Almonds help in improving the alkalinity of your systems. Being a great source of alkali materials, almonds improve the ability of your immune system to ward off diseases and health conditions. They have a high content of Vitamin E which is a powerful antioxidant. It eliminates the harmful free radicals from the body which promote chronic diseases and damage the body’s organ system. These free radicals can even lead to major diseases like heart disease and cancer. Deficiency of Vitamin E can adversely affect the body’s ability to fight infections.

# Fights Inflammation

The antioxidants in almonds can also help fight inflammation in the body. As researchers explain, oxidative stress often triggers inflammation in our bodies. And because nuts like almonds give the body antioxidant protection against oxidative stress, they can help reduce inflammation too. The fatty acids in almonds may also help fight inflammation. One study found that taking 68 gm of the nuts helped reduce some inflammatory markers, indicating a potential role against inflammatory conditions.