There are two species of almond tree in the wild. One, the common or bitter almond (var. amara), is found in Central Asia, the Crimea, and the Caucasus. The other is the sweet almond (var. dulcis), native to China and cultivated in Mediterranean countries. It is difficult for the layman to distinguish between the two.
The predominantly sweet variety is prized as food and medicine. The beneficial properties and contraindications of bitter almonds are due to its specific composition. Therefore, there are peculiarities of use and internal consumption. Let’s find out what are the benefits of bitter almonds for human being. How to consume them without harming health.
Vitamin and mineral composition of bitter almonds
Curative and therapeutic effects on the person have incoming biologically active substances. One 100 grams of the product contains a full set of vitamins:
- Riboflavin (B2) covers 78% of the daily needs of adults. Promotes the regeneration of tissues, the formation and construction of cells.
- Pyridoxine (B6) is involved in the transport of iron in the blood and in the work of the intestines and kidneys. Its deficiency causes irritability, difficulty sleeping and skin diseases.
- Thiamine (B1) guarantees the proper functioning of the brain and nerve fibers.
- Nicotinic acid (PP or B3) is part of many enzymes in the body. It is involved in tissue respiration.
- Pantothenic acid (B5) is important for the digestion of amino acids, fats and carbohydrates.
- Contains a record amount of vitamin E (24 grams). Tocopherol ensures the maturation of germ cells, is involved in the formation of spermatozoa and maintains a safe pregnancy. Protects the skin and the body from premature aging.
- Folic acid (B9) contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system. Regulates the digestive system.
- Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is necessary for immunity, it protects the body from infections during the winter season.
In bitter almonds there is a toxic substance called amygdalin. Since the 1950s, alternative medicine practitioners began marketing its derivatives as anticancer drugs under the trade names Vitamin B17 and Laetrile.
However, there is no clinical evidence that it benefits cancer patients. Not only that, but the use of cyanide poison causes poisoning. Both preparations are not vitamins, but are used to profit from medical charlatans.
In addition to a wide range of vitamins, bitter almonds contain trace elements that are important for the body.
| Magnesium, g | Potassium, g | phosphorus, g | Calcium, g | Iron, g | Sodium, g | Zinc, g | Copper, g |
| 234. 00 | 740. 00 | 470. 00 | 275. 00 | 4,5 | 9. 00 | 2, 13 | 1. 93 |
Minerals perform many important functions in the body:
- Potassium and magnesium are necessary for the contractility of the heart. They saturate oxygen the brain. They prevent arrhythmias.
- Chlorine is responsible for eliminating excess liquid from the organism. Eliminates toxins.
- Copper is necessary for the nervous system.
- Iron intervenes in oxygen transport, is part of blood hemoglobin. Prevents the appearance of anemia.
- Phosphorus intervenes in the formation of bone tissue, strengthens heart muscle.
The mineral complex regulates the function of nervous, endocrine and vascular systems. Guarantees the health of teeth and bones. The level of biologically active substances of bitter grains exceeds the amount found in other nuts.
Caloric content and IG
According to research, 82% of the fruit of the bitter almond is used in the food industry, 6% in medicine and 2% in cosmetics. The nutritional value of the bitter almond is shown in the table.
Component content per 100 g of dry product
The proportion of proteins, fats and carbohydrates (fat-carbohydrate ratio) in bitter almonds is 21%/76. 5%/3. 5%. The main energy source is fat. They are followed by proteins. Carbohydrates are represented by sugar and starch in insignificant quantities.
Despite its high caloric value, almonds can be included in the diet of people to regime. In reasonable doses, bitter nuts are very beneficial for human health. For example, 1 soup tablespoon or 9 pieces only contribute 54 kcal. The average daily dose of almonds is 20, which is equivalent to 122 kcal.
The properties of almonds for the human body
The beneficial properties of almonds are known for their content in unsaturated fatty acids, proteins, vitamins and minerals. It is important to keep in mind that bitter grains contain tonsil glycoside. Once in the stomach, it is divided into sugar, benzaldehyde and poisonous hydrogen cyanide. Resulting cyanhydric acid instantly causes respiratory paralysis.
Despite its presence, medicine uses fruit for medicinal and preventive purposes. The properties of bitter almonds
- eliminates kidney calculations;
- Improve the view;
- favors the maturation of male sex cells;
- stimulates brain activity; Improves memory;
- favors the health of teeth and bones
- normalizes the circulatory system
- reduces the acidity of gastric juice;
- Eating nuts before a banquet prevents ethyl poisoning.
Doctors recommend taking almonds to people with mental problems and patients with atherosclerosis. Nuts reduce the harmful levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in blood. After all, the concentration of omega-3 fatty acids in almonds is greater than in other nuts. This slows the development of atherosclerosis and its complications: myocardial infarctions, strokes.
What is its usefulness?
The valuable properties of bone fruit are due to its minerals, vitamins and unsaturated fats. If the dose and consumption method are followed, the nuts are beneficial.
For the women
Almonds interest female sex especially for their cosmetic effects. Vitamins E and what they contain act as natural antioxidants:
- They make the hair healthy and bright;
- Fight premature aging;
- The skin becomes soft and firm.
If they are used correctly, they reduce the symptoms of eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. It is useful to consume almonds for women during menopause. Menopause reduces the amount of magnesium in the blood. Attention. You can only eat 1-2 crude bitter almonds per day without harming health.
For men
Strong sex appreciates nuts as aphrodisiac. Arginine that contains stimulates libido and increases power. Zinc, selenium and tocopherol improve the quality and motility of sperm.
Almonds help men fight baldness. A mixture of crushed almonds with milk is mixed. The mask stimulates hair growth.
For children
Possible damage
Of all bone fruits, bitter almonds are those that contain more tonsil (3%). If consumed internally, the glucóside decomposes, releasing poisonous cyanhydric acid. IMPORTANT: Mortal adult poisoning occurs after the ingestion of 50 almonds. But it is unlikely that that amount is consumed due to its bitter taste. The tonsil is not only present in the grains, but also in the oil that is extracted from them. The latter is used externally or as a kind in the kitchen.
Contraindications
The consumption of raw almonds of both types is dangerous due to the presence of a toxic substance. Bitter varieties, in particular, have many contraindications:
- Obesity due to its high caloric content
- palpitations;
- Hypersensitivity to almond proteins
- pregnancy;
- childhood;
- Breastfeeding period.
How many bitter almonds can be eaten up without harming health
Bitter grains themselves have antitumor properties. The therapeutic effect depends on the dose. For cancer prevention, it is recommended to take 1-2 raw grains. The slightest overcoming of the accepted amount can cause great damage. The tonsil is destroyed during toasted. 20 grams or 15-20 grains a day can be consumed. Children cannot take more than 3-5 grains.
Can you give bitter almonds to pregnant women and infant mothers?
Bone fruit is used for pregnant women only in toasted. Nuts are useful for the normal development of the child in the uterus. They supply the body of the future mother with vitamin E, iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus. Especially the need for a mother child in calcium, iron, which almonds contain in large quantities.
Use characteristics
Almonds must be taken peeled. In addition to useful substances, the peel contains poisonous and benzaldehyde tonsil. They reduce the immune system and coagulate blood. They can cause a severe allergic reaction. The ration of nuts approved by doctors for adults is 20 grams.
In the kitchen
Bitter almonds are added to many oriental dishes. They are only used in small quantities as a spice to give the dish a delicate flavor and aroma. Attention hazelnuts must be cooked before roasting, roasting or boiling them.
This is necessary to evaporate toxic substances. In this way, bitter almond beans are added to meat, desserts and pastry plates:
- From the fruit an oil is obtained that is used as a aromatizing of drinks and liquors;
- Almond milk is very popular among vegetarians as a substitute for cow’s milk;
- Of the many sweets based on almonds, the mazapan, a mixture of ground almonds and sugar syrup, is the most popular in Europe.
There are innumerable culinary masterpieces, all made with bitter almonds.
In popular medicine
The rich composition of almonds allows them to use them in traditional medicine. Here are some recipes based on this product.
Almonds for the stomach
Popular healers use it for various purposes. As on the stomach and intestines, they use almond milk prepared in this way:
- 50 grams of seeds are ground in a mortar and are poured into 1000 ml of water or milk;
- boil for 10 minutes
- strain.
The mixture is used for abdominal swelling. To relieve stomach burning the healers advise to pour 4-5 grains with boiling water. Note. The disadvantage of popular recipes is the lack of dosage and proven benefits.
Almonds for brain function
Bitter almonds include a whole series of substances necessary to nurture nerve cells: Omega-3, vitamins, minerals.
The product helps in stress situations thanks to the presence of the hormone serotonin. This substance improves humor and increases intellectual performance. During a session, you can eat 1-2 raw grains without skin to stimulate thought.
Almonds for diabetics
One of the nuts approved for type II diabetes are almonds. Its main advantage is its low glycemic index.
Its high nutritional value is ideal as diabetic snack. But only 1-2 raw and bitter almonds can be consumed after removing their skin. It is better to consume them roasted in a dry pan. Thus you can eat them in greater quantity.
Use of the shells and leaves of the almonds
All parts of the almond have medicinal properties, including leaves, root and bag. The shell is used to aromatize liquors such as cognac and wine. The Italian Licor Amaretto owes its wonderful flavor and aroma of sweet almonds. Its peel is used to produce adsorbent active carbon.
In cosmetology
The bitter almond is much superior to its sweet cousin. The grains are dried to produce an oil that is added to ointments and medicinal emulsions. Cosmetology produces creams and dismailing. Based on almonds, a wide range of skin and hair care products is put on sale. Oil benefits:
- It improves hair growth, provides softness and brightness to curls;
- Thanks to the nutritional properties of almonds, the skin of the face is firmer and faster;
- Eliminates stretch marks and cellulite.
Almond oil is not used in its purest state, since it can cause skin burns. But it is used as an additive in the massage base, shampoo and facial cream. Women notice the analgesic effect of oils after exercise. They notice greater growth and hair density, an improvement of the complexion after a nutritious mask.
How to peel almonds
To get rid of the hard peel, it is worth using a Nutcracker. Pressure on bone ribs should be exerted. Then the hard peel will leave in half and the almond will be whole.
To peel the almonds, follow the steps indicated below:
- Pour the almonds without peeling completely on boiling water.
- After 10-15 minutes, drain them in a strainer.
- Clarify under the cold water tap and let the liquid drain.
- Pour again boiling water and let stand for another 10 minutes.
- Now you can peel the almonds with your hands. Tighten each fruit between the thumb and index, taking out an almond.
Dry the grains. Wet nuts spoil quickly. So that the excess of humidity evaporates and the almonds are crispy, place the fruits in a tray lined with scroll paper. Put in the preheated oven at 180⁰ for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally.
How to toast the almonds
The easiest and most comfortable way to toast them is in a dry pan. The product turns out to be not only tasty and fragrant, but also the most useful for the body. The fats of nuts are released during the cooking process. You have to remove almonds periodically so that the temperature is distributed evenly.
For almonds to be healthy and of good quality, an adequate cooking technique is needed:
- Bitter grains must be dry;
- It is important that the fire is medium not to destroy vitamins and fats.
Useful information fry in vegetables or butter add calories. In addition, it modifies the balance between healthy and unhealthy fats. Adding vegetable oil has an especially negative effect. When mixed with him, a very important element – vitamin E, which is the essence of all nuts – escapes almonds.
Peculiarities of almond storage
Dry fruits with shell can be kept in a container without closing at room temperature. Healthy and bitter peeled almonds are sold in a protected vacuum container. Crispy bought almonds should be kept in a glass container under a lid in the refrigerator. The product retains its healthy properties up to six months.
In a cellophane bag, the conservation period is reduced to three weeks. If the rules are not followed, almonds will acquire a rancid flavor, which means that the product is not adequate. Choose cooked roasted fruits without oil.
Bitter almonds are beneficial if they are carefully manipulated. Take only 1-2 peeled almonds. The roasted in a dry pan relieves toxic substances. Strictly follow the dosage in the use of prepared prepared on their basis.
