Almonds And Their Benefits: Why It Is Good To Eat Them And What Are Their Properties

The almond is one of the oldest food sources in the world. It is believed that the almond tree was already cultivated 2,000 years before Christ and its fruit was consumed. The beauty of its flowering trees, spreading across the landscape, earned the protection of the Phoenician goddess who, with a Syrian name, called it a “beautiful tree”.

Although almonds have been part of the diet of Mediterranean peoples since the times of the Phoenicians and the Carthaginians, those responsible for the expansion and profusion of almonds in the kitchen were the Arabs who, during the centuries that they inhabited a large part of the Iberian Peninsula, introduced gastronomic customs from the East, such as the use of dried fruits, dates or raisins with which they sweetened their dishes or gave them consistency.

According to the Spanish Nutrition Foundation, “the etymology of the Spanish name ‘Almendra’ comes from an Arabization of the word ‘mandala’, and is from the Latin word ‘amyndala’ which, in turn, is a variation of ‘amygdala’” (scientifically, the ‘amygdala’ is a structure located in the temporal lobe of mammals and is traditionally related to the emotional system of the brain).

The almond belongs to the Rosaceae family and the seed of its fruit is the edible part, shaped like a flattened teardrop, which can measure between 1 and 2 centimeters long.

Its tree, the almond tree, can reach up to 10 meters in height, and its white or pinkish flowers create beautiful landscapes between the end of January and February and can flower in mid-March, at the beginning of spring, where they are grown, generally in large areas such as those offered by the fields of Extremadura (central-western Spain).

The almond tree is a fruit species that is cultivated mainly in Mediterranean climates, although 80% of the world’s production is concentrated in the United States, mainly in the California area, followed by Australia, with 7%, and Spain with 4%. After them are Italy, Iran, Syria, and Morocco, with the total world production being 1 million 268 thousand tons.

THE BENEFITS OF EATING ALMONDS

Almonds can be sweet or bitter, the latter being toxic to the body, so their consumption is not recommended, sweet almonds are edible and rich in nutritional properties that are very important for maintaining a healthy body, as they contain water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates and cellulose; vitamins B1, B2, B3, C, A, D and E, as well as calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, chlorine, manganese, copper and zinc. 

According to a study published by the Professional School of Food Engineering at the San Luis Gonzaga University of Ica (Peru), among nuts, almonds are one of those that contain the highest amount of vitamin E, an important antioxidant that allows, 50 grams of raw almonds, to cover the daily needs of this vitamin.

Almond fiber is another of its valuable contents that helps stimulate intestinal movements and gives a feeling of satiety.

Its protein content, 19 grams per 100 grams of almonds, is close to that of meat, which is why this nut, along with other nuts with similar properties, is an essential part of the vegetarian diet. Another of the benefits of almonds is fat, with 52%, of which two-thirds correspond to oleic acid, the consumption of which is very similar to that of olive oil, so beneficial for the cardiovascular system.

RICH IN GASTRONOMY

Due to their high content of essential nutrients for life, they are an essential food in a healthy and balanced diet, and very versatile in gastronomy, as they can be included in both sweet and savory recipes, and many dieticians recommend eating 7 almonds a day on an empty stomach, to improve memory and, in children, develop intelligence.

The possibilities of almonds in gastronomy are enormous and their uses, as a condiment or accompaniment, are infinite, depending on the foods available and the tastes of each country, taking advantage of all their properties, whether natural, toasted, or salted, so it is not strange that the almond tree is one of the most cultivated nut trees in the world.

In cosmetics, the main function of sweet almond oil is to moisturize, “due to the presence of essential fatty acids (unsaturated fatty acids and vitamins), thanks to which the cell membranes that need these lipids reinforce their structure and collaborate in the retention of water, avoiding its loss and, therefore, dryness of the skin,” indicates the study of the School of Food Engineering of Ica.

Sweet almond oils provide strong regenerative activity, which is why they are recommended for the treatment of mild scars or red (not white) stretch marks due to their important role in tissue formation and firming.

This oil is especially indicated for sensitive skin and, always with the permission of the pediatrician, it can be applied to skin irritations in babies. It also helps to make stretch marks disappear in pregnant women or men who have developed a poor diet; it softens hands and feet, as well as eliminates dryness by simply spreading a little on the area to be treated. Using this oil on hair helps to strengthen it, as well as giving it shine and softness.