[[File:Almonds.jpg|thumb|350px|left|Almonds]]Other Names: Sweet Almond, Almond Extract, Almond Oil, Almendra Dulce, Almendro Dulce, Amande, Amandier, Amande Douce, Amandier à Fruits Doux, Amandier Doux, Amendoa Doce, Amygdala Dulcis, Amygdalus communis var. dulcis, Expressed Almond Oil, Extrait d’Amande, Fixed Almond Oil, Huile d’Amande, Huile d’Amande Douce, Mandorla Dolce, Mindal' Sladkii, Prunus amygdalus var. dulcis, Prunus amygdalus var. sativa, Prunus communis var. sativa, Prunus dulcis, Suessmandel, Suessmandelbaum, Sweet Almond Oil, Zoete Amandel.<br>Almonds are actually fruit because they're the seeds of a fruit that is a close relative to the plum and peach.<br>See also : [[Almond Oil]]
==Special Precautions of Almonds==
* Don't confuse with [[Bitter Almond]]
* Almonds, like other tree nuts, are susceptible to aflatoxin-producing molds.[55] Aflatoxins are potent carcinogenic chemicals produced by molds such as Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. The mold contamination may occur from soil, previously infested almonds, and almond pests such as navel orangeworm. High levels of mold growth typically appear as gray to black filament like growth. It is unsafe to eat mold infected tree nuts.
==The benefits of Almonds are==
Almonds are also fantastic because they have a high vitamin [[Vitamin E ]] content (one ounce has 35% of the daily recommended intake), fiber (one ounce has 3 grams), vegetable protein (one ounce has 6 grams), and monounsaturated fats (almonds are 51% monounsaturated fat). They're also rich in magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, folate, and phytochemicals, all of which may help prevent chronic diseases.
* associated with ameliorations in [[obesity]], hyperlipidemia, [[Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)]], and [[hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar)]]. Incorporation of almonds into a healthy diet has beneficial effects on adiposity, glycemic control, and the lipid profile, thereby potentially decreasing the risk for [[Cardiovascular Disease]] in patients with type 2 [[diabetes]] mellitus.
* Cancer : Two [[flavonoids]] in almonds ( quercetin and kaempferol ) were found to be strong suppressors of lung and prostate tumor growth and these plant chemicals inhibited the tumor cell growth in culture in the studies at Pennsylvania State University. [[Flavonoids]] found in almonds also suppressed breast cancer cell growth when these cells have been exposed to cancer-causing agents as evident from other research findings.
*Help with [[Diabetes]] Management : Diabetes affects more than 17 million people in the United States, and one of the most common problems faced by diabetics worldwide is the surge in their blood sugar levels after a meal. Surges in blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, must be controlled because it can certainly present numerous complications to the body.Details of a report published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition revealed that incorporating almonds in our daily diet could help prevent surges in blood sugar after a meal as well as help in the management of type 2 diabetes by improving the body’s sensitivity to insulin.
*Promote Healthy Skin and Hair : Almond oil helps make the skin soft and smooth – and it works for the hair too. Most soap and hair product manufacturing companies often incorporate almond ingredient into their products in order to make the skin and hair healthy, soft and radiant-looking. During massage, almond oil is also used as it promotes relaxation and helps keep the skin soft even after the session. Almond oil may be used as a face mask so that it will be absorbed by the skin, making it supple and erasing wrinkles, crow’s feet and fine lines. Almond oil can also be used as a deep cleansing conditioner.
*Help Control Blood [[Cholesterol ]] Levels : As previously mentioned, regular consumption of almonds help raise good cholesterol (HDL) levels and lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels. Keep this in mind when it comes to cholesterol: you would want to keep High Density Lipoprotein high, and keep Low Density Lipoprotein low. Almonds, therefore, allows you to hit two birds with one stone. It effectively controls your blood cholesterol levels. High amounts of bad cholesterol in your blood could cause complications such as fatty plaque deposits, atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke.* Dry Cough : Almonds have long been considered a source of relief for those who are suffering from a dry cough.*Lower Risk of Alzheimer’s [[Alzheimer's Disease ]] : The results of two studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that vitamin E-rich foods and those that are rich in antioxidants can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease. Researchers have recommended the regular consumption of almonds because these nuts contain higher levels of alpha-tocopherol vitamin E as compared to other foods. Alpha-tocopherol is a form of vitamin E that is readily absorbed and used by the body.*Help Prevent [[Osteoporosis ]] : Because almonds are rich in calcium, it is one of the highly recommended foods in the battle against osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones become weak and fragile, predisposing a person to fractures. Calcium is considered to be food for the bones. The presence of calcium in almonds could help prevent the pitfalls associated with osteoporosis.
* The [[Vitamin E]] in almonds keeps your eyes and skin looking and feeling youthful.
* [[Detox]] : because most detox diets don't include cow's milk, and almond milk is one of the best-tasting, most readily available plant-based alternatives.* Metabolism and allertness : Almonds, sesame and pumpkin seeds help regulate dopamine levels.
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