Almond Health Benefits

The almond tree produces the oldest and most widely grown of all of the world’s nut crops, and is indigenous to western Asia and North Africa. Of the two major types of almonds grown, the sweet almond (P. dulcis) is cultivated for its edible nut. The bitter almond (P. amara) is inedible but contains an oil—also present in the sweet almond, and in the ripe kernels of the apricot and peach—which, when combined with water, yields hydrocyanic (prussic) acid and benzaldehyde, the essential oil of bitter almonds. The oil is used in making flavoring extracts and in some sedative medicines.

SPECIAL NOTE
Eat almonds with foods rich in vitamin C to encourage maximum absorption.

USES
• Combine almond milk with barley water for urinary problems.
• Almond milk is an excellent tonic during convalescence.
• Drink almond milk daily to reduce frequency of digestive disorders, and to relieve respiratory problems.

PRO PERT IES
• Sweet almonds are high in protein
• Almonds reduce infl ammation: used in the treatment of bronchitis
• Rich in protein, fat, zinc, potassium, iron, B vitamins, and magnesium
• Aids respiration
• Acts as a digestive