
Almonds are a valuable source of energy and nutrients. Above all, they are good for the brain. A handful of nuts a day is enough to improve your health. Together with fruit, blueberries, bananas and oatmeal, almonds are a good complement to a balanced diet. They are an affordable source of vitamins and unsaturated fatty acids, Omega-3. For their nutritional value, they improve the quality of the diet.
The usefulness of almonds for men and women is represented by the reduction of heart disease risk, especially when there is a deficit of saturated fats in the menu. The use of almonds in the kitchen is universal. They enrich all dishes, from snacks to desserts. They are traditionally used in oriental cuisine (more popular among Arabs), often combined with chicken, fish, seafood.
Almonds are also often found in various sweets. It is a priority product of Scandinavian cuisine; It is also popular in Indonesia, Africa. Almonds are part of a vegetarian diet. But what are the benefits of almonds for the health of men and how many consume the day of this valuable product?
Chemical and vitamin composition of almonds
A handful of almonds, up to 30 g (which is the recommended daily dose of a dry fruit), contains up to 20 different flavonoids, substances that favor the functioning of the heart and blood vessels. Flavonoids, if present in sufficient amounts in the diet, can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases up to 22%.
Almond nuts also contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which also help protect against cardiovascular diseases and the development of atherosclerosis (swelling of arteries).
The nut contains fiber. It is known that in its abundance the risk of developing gastrointestinal, cardiac and vascular diseases is reduced by up to 40% compared to people, whose diet lacks fiber.
Finally, like nuts and hazelnuts, almonds contain vegetable sterols (phytosterols), which prevent the absorption of cholesterol in the gastrointestinal tract. A sufficient intake of phytoesteroles with food can reduce blood cholesterol levels to 10%.
Nutritional value of almonds (100 g):
- KJ – 2400;
- Kcal – 600;
- Proteins – 20g; Carbohydrates – 20g;
- Carbohydrates – 20g
- fiber – 12 g; Fat – 50 gr;
- Fat – 50 gr;
- Water – 1 g.
Vitamin | Approximate quantity (mg/100 g) | Mineral | Approximate quantity (mg/100 g) |
А | 10 IU | Iron | 4 |
В1 | 0,2 | Calcium | 200 |
В2 | 0,8 | Magnesium | 250 |
В3 | 5 | Match | 450 |
Е | 25 | Sodium | 28 |
β-carotene | 7 | Zinc | 3 |
Pantothenic acid | 0,5 | Selenium | 0. 03 |
Folic acid | 28 | Omega-6 | 12000 |
Almond properties for the male organism
What are the benefits of almonds for men:
- Beneficial effects on skin, hair (prevent baldness), bones and teeth;
- High calcium content (more than milk);
- Content in soluble and insoluble food fibers, good for intestinal health, cleaning it of toxic substances;
- Support for muscle growth;
- Omega 3 and 6 acids;
- Prevention of osteoporosis, bone demineralization;
- beneficial effects on the nervous system, cognitive functions of the brain (when consumed from 4 to 6 a day);
- Presence of essential fats, L-carnitine, vitamins of group B;
- Good product for diabetics, thanks to the stabilization of the glycemic level;
- It brings energy and vitality to the body;
- Support the health of the heart, vascular system;
- antioxidant effect;
- Reduction of myocardial infarction risk;
- Improvement of metabolism;
- Provide the body with electrolytes;
- Absence of cholesterol; LDL cholesterol reduction;
- absence of gluten
- ant i-inflammatory;
- Help in the fight against stress, fatigue, depression.
Almonds are more useful when they eat in their natural state (the shell contains many nutrients) – raw and without peeling.
Why are they useful?
Almonds are one of the richest nutrient fruits. It has a high percentage of group B vitamins, proteins, healthy fats. Nuts have an antioxidant effect, reduce blood pressure, bad cholesterol. It also provides a feeling of satiety, so it is a good complement to the correction of the diet. Almonds are suitable for diabetics.
Increase in sex hormones
Almonds contain a series of active ingredients that act as “construction blocks” to naturally favor testosterone secretion. The most important are
- Selenium. Almonds – A source of natural selenium. Its important property – a positive effect on testosterone levels.
- Natural cholesterol. It becomes testosterone in the body. Every man who cares about a balanced level of sex hormones must obtain cholesterol from quality sources. Almonds are one of the best options.
- Strong antioxidant. Nuts are full of antioxidants that protect oxidation testosterone molecules. Recent studies also demonstrate that some antioxidants can stimulate Leydig cells to produce more testosterone.
- L-arginine. Arginine is a substance that increases nitric oxide levels in the body, which guarantees a better blood circulation throughout the body. Almonds are a biologically active arginine source.
For athletes
In addition to their high protein content, almonds have other benefits. First, they contain vitamins of group B and copper. They are also rich in carbohydrates and have a high caloric value, which means that they can be used as a stimulant during intense training. Therefore, some aerobic athletes consume them an hour before exercise.
The only warning: control your consumption of nuts (unless it is allergic) due to its high fat content. If you are trying to lose weight or improve your performance, use almonds as an additional source of energy and proteins (for example, for soybeans, which almost does not contain fat).
The suitability of almonds for sports nutrition is confirmed by the presence in its composition of complex proteins and magnesium, which prevents muscle cramps after hard training. They also have a high calcium content (superior to cow’s milk), selenium and zinc.
Power preservation
Almonds have a positive effect on erections, libido and fertility of men. It contains beneficial, mineral and omega-3 amino acids that are beneficial for power. In particular, the substance L-arginine improves not only the quality of erection, but also sperm production.
Copper, manganese, molybdenum and biotin have a positive effect on power. An important role in this regard is performed by antioxidants.
The usefulness of almonds also lies in their ant i-cancer effects. 30 g A day can prevent prostate cancer and reduce tumor growth.
Standardization of cardiovascular function
Almonds have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system and are an excellent preventive agent against a series of heart disease and blood vessels. The consumption of this healthy product at least 2 times a week reduces the risk of myocardial infarction.
People at risk of vascular diseases and high lipid levels are recommended to eat several pieces of almonds (ideally with honey) per day. But we must not abuse, since they have a high protein content.
Possible damage and contraindications
Despite its health benefits, almonds are not the ideal nuts. They contain substances that cause crystallization, which can be detrimental to people with biliary or kidney gallbladder problems.
Like all nuts, almonds can cause an allergic reaction in sensitive people. The severity of hypersensitivity can vary. Allergy is a contraindication for the consumption of nuts, including almonds. The reaction is rapid and usually occurs within a few minutes of eating nuts. The signs of an allergic reaction from mild to moderate include:
- Tingling sensation in the lipstick;
- Facial swelling;
- nausea;
- Acne;
- abdominal pain.
The most serious allergy forms can cause an anaphylactic shock. This condition is associated with a wide inflammatory reaction of the immune system. Anaphylactic shock is manifested by signs such as:
- difficulty breathing
- palpitations;
- redness of the skin throughout the body;
- descent of blood pressure.
Without treatment, shock leads to unconsciousness and, in the worst case, death.
Avoid eating almonds that are not completely mature. They can contain a poisonous gas that produces hydrogen cyanide. The shells of immature nuts are softer and sometimes have a greenish color instead of brown.
How to choose nuts
Choose hard nuts. Pay attention to whether they are damaged by rubbing. They should not be wrinkled. Quality almonds have a pleasant smell and flavor.
General tips for choosing nuts:
- Integrity. Do not buy them in half. Whole nuts are more expensive. In addition, each type of nut has several kinds of size: the larger, the better and, therefore, the more expensive.
- Fresh flavor. There is no unpleasant aftertaste in the language after consumption. This is especially true in the case of Rancio.
- Absence of spots. Its presence can be a sign of a pest attack.
Daily dose
The maximum daily dose is 70 g, but normally only half of this amount is recommended.
However, it must be borne in mind that the intake of salty nuts considerably increases the sodium rate (that is, of sodium chloride) with respect to the recommended values. This entails the risk of developing hypertension.
What half of the day it is better to eat
Avoid eating almonds at the end of food, especially after a copious meal. Its composition is typical, with a high percentage of fats and proteins. These require a “free” digestive system. Only in this way will its benefits for the agency become patent.
Coma nuts in small portions between meals. The best time to eat them is in the morning (for example, with samples) or at eating. Almonds are a good complete snack in the afternoon.
Conservation
Almonds tend to put out. Keep them in a closed container in a dry and protected place of sunlight. You can prolong your useful life by keeping them in the refrigerator (up to 6 months) or in the freezer, where they can be kept up to one year.
Peanuts or almonds: Which is healthier?
Let’s start with what these nuts have in common. In botanical terms, peanuts are a legume, while almonds are a bone fruit.
The highest price of almonds is not directly proportional to its nutritional value. According to experts, they are not healthier than peanuts. Both contain good fats, mainly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Peanuts contain more proteins, magnesium, calcium, manganese and vitamin E, and less fat and calories. But almonds have more minerals and vitamins.
Both species have a similar composition of nutrients. Consequently, they offer similar benefits for health when consumed regularly. Thanks to copper and magnesium, they can reduce blood pressure and prevent hypertension.
They also regulate glucose levels (but only with regular consumption) and protect against heart disease. Eating both almonds and peanuts can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 37%.