Are almonds healthy for us? Yes they are! Exactly, how are almonds healthy nuts for us to add to our diets each day?
Eating almonds can reduce the risk of heart disease, according to a recent study performed by Professor Helen Griffiths, executive dean of the School of Life and Health Sciences at Aston University in Birmingham, UK and professor in Biomedical Sciences. Almonds are essentially a healthy snack.
Are almonds healthy for us?
Griffiths and a team of researchers believe that almond nutrients work together to improve health and lower the risk of heart disease.
According to Griffiths, “Our study confirms that almonds are a superfood. Previous studies have shown that they keep your heart healthy, but our research proves that it isn’t too late to introduce them into your diet- adding even a handful (around 50 grams) every day for a short period can help. You could replace a daytime snack with a bag of almonds or add them to your regular meals like porridge or muesli to help reduce your risk of heart problems.”
This latest research found that eating almonds improved blood flow, reduced blood pressure, and increased the amount of antioxidants in the blood stream, significantly.
The findings of this recent study also substantiated the theory that a Mediterranean diet, rich in nuts, is beneficial to health.
This short-term study took a group of overweight young men with high blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors, as well as a group of healthy middle-aged and young men and fed them diets enriched with almonds. One group ate at least 50 grams of almonds each day for a month; whereas, the control group ate what they usually would eat.
The results of the study showed the group that ate the diet enriched with almonds reduced their risk of heart disease because their blood pressure was lowered, they improved their blood flow, and their blood stream had increased levels of antioxidants, known as alpha-tocopherol.
Almonds are a healthy snack
Almonds are not only a healthy snack, they are a rich protein source, contain vitamins B2 and E, calcium and magnesium, to name a few. They can lower bad cholesterol, or LDL cholesterol, and provide you energy, as well. In addition, almonds help to satisfy an appetite and reduce skin fine lines and wrinkles.
Almonds are recognized for increasing a sense of fullness and include favorable health substances, such as fiber and healthy fats. They may also have antioxidant nutrients know as flavonoids.
Almonds are referred to as stone fruit; they’re related to plums, peaches, and cherries. They have been a health benefit since they were used in potions and lotions during ancient Egypt and are still used in lotions today.
Currently, the United States produces the largest amounts of almonds for worldwide consumption.
Are almonds healthy? The results of this recent study on how eating almonds can reduce the risk of heart disease are promising and an added health benefit worth taking notice. Moderately adding almonds to a daily diet is worth considering for improved health.
