A Little History
(Four Recipe Links Below)
Almonds, the beautiful perfect 'tear drop' shape nut can be dated back as far as 1400BC. The Bible’s Book of Numbers tells of Aaron’s rod that blossomed and bore almonds. In the Roman culture, newlyweds were showered with almonds as a fertility charm dating back as far as 100AD. In fact, in some traditional Italian weddings, they still grace each guest with a beautiful lace wrap of three colorful candy coated almonds attached to a wedding party favour.
Almond trees grew in areas such as Spain, Morocco, Greece and Israel. In 600-900 AD it fed explorers travelling to China. In the 1700S AD, the Franciscan Fathers brought the almond tree to California and to this day, almonds are one of the most widely grown nuts in the State. With the differing climate and growing conditions, however, the nut itself has undergone some modification, so the California nut is different from the original European Almond. If you can source European Almonds, you will notice the difference in taste and aroma. My preference in all recipes is to use the European Almond.
Health Providing Nutrients and Benefits
Like any healthy practice, you need to incorporate eating almonds on a daily basis and in moderation to achieve the health benefits you may be after.
As part of a healthy eating regime, you can incorporate raw or roasted almonds on to salads, trail mixes, baking recipes or just plain 'au natural'.
A small handful (10-12) is all it takes!
In that small handful you will find a good amount of:
Ten almonds provide 1 gram of dietary fibre , 2.5 grams of protein and 6 grams of healthy fat (majority being healthy monounsaturated!)
Healthy fats like Vitamin E which is essential for healthy skin, vision and hormone balance.
Almonds also tout antioxidants (in the skin) to help with immune function and fending free radicals.
Minerals like magnesium, that helps with the contraction of muscles (including the heart rhythm) and their relaxation, nerve function, helps with immune function and is brain calming.
Manganese helps with bone formation, since it helps to absorb calcium, helps with healthy metabolism, connective tissue, proper function of sex hormones and the thyroid, along with regulation of blood sugar.
other nutrients B2, copper, calcium (75mg per 30mg serving size)
'So go ahead, add almonds* to your daily routine and enjoy all the food medicine!'
Recipes and Links in annaznutrition:
*Seek advice of health care practitioner if you are allergic or sensitive to nuts.