National Almond Day, observed on February 16 of every year, is a time to honour these delicious nuts and spread knowledge about the many health advantages of consuming them.
Almonds are a rich source of protein, fibre, magnesium, vitamin E and good fats. A handful of almonds can make up for many of your nutritional deficiencies and help you avoid chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, and fatty liver disease.
Almonds, which are native to Central and Southwest Asia as well as the region around the Mediterranean, are the second most popular nut after peanuts. They were one of the earliest foods that humans were believed to have cultivated. They were consumed by nomadic tribes while travelling, and as almonds fell along trade routes, wild almond trees grew. It was believed that people would munch on almonds throughout the long journeys on the Silk Road between Asia and the Mediterranean. The trees started to grow as explorers settled in the Mediterranean area, and later on, they were found in other parts of the world. However, the exact origins are still up for debate.
Almonds even have a reference in the Bible. They were used as wedding gifts in ancient Rome.
Almonds can be eaten as a snack or used in recipes. They can be consumed raw, roasted, salted, seasoned, and sweetened.
It has been a custom in India to consume almonds first thing in the morning. They are also considered to be a very valued gift.
Some health benefits
Almonds are a natural source of over 15 essential nutrients. Adding almonds to your diet can help you lose weight and fight mid-meal cravings. They contain a lot of dietary fibre, protein and Vitamin E. Almonds also have numerous health advantages and are a good source of minerals like Magnesium, Zinc, Iron, and Calcium.
There are also studies stating almond oil and almond milk can help your skin and hair. Due to their low glycemic index, almonds help manage diabetes by reducing the impact of foods high in carbohydrates on blood sugar levels when consumed with such items.
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), an antioxidant found in abundance in almonds, has been proven to have anti-ageing benefits. A handful of almonds every day can help with skin tone and the appearance of facial wrinkles.
A recent study found that including almonds in the post-workout meal helped to increase leg and lower back strength while also reducing post-exercise fatigue and tension. Almonds may help lessen muscle injury in people who are recovering from intense exercise.
