The almond is native to the Middle East and South Asia. It was spread by humans in ancient times along the shores of the Mediterranean into northern Africa and southern Europe and more recently transported to other parts of the world, notably California, United States. The almond is a deciduous tree that begins bearing a good crop in it’s third year. The fruit matures in the autumn.
Almonds have many benefits. Here are some of the benefits.
Give the body energy – Almonds are high in Vitamin B2- and B2 plays a role in energy production and tissue repair. B2 also helps your body produce red blood cells.
Essential for healthy eyes and helps enable the eyes to adapt to light- This is due to the B2
High in fiber and antioxidants
Alkalizing to the blood – almonds are the only nuts that are alkalizing
Can get rid of phlegm and coughs– Almonds relieve stagnant qi energy of the lungs. Almonds can be helpful for those with asthma.
Rich in tryptophan – Tryptophan is used by the body to produce seratonin which in turn produces melatonin. Melatonin is known to help the body sleep well.
Lower ‘bad’ cholesterol – recent studies show that eating approximately 1/4 cup almonds per day can reduce your LDL (bad cholesterol) by 10%.
Resistant to mold without being roasted. -This means that almonds are a wonderful choice to eat raw.
To get the most available nutrients from raw nuts, it is best to soak them overnight in filtered water. Soaking makes the almond more nutritious. It awakens it from its’ slumber and brings it to a pre-sprouting state; bringing all nutrients in to a place where they are ready for action! The vitamin levels then increase and the enzyme inhibitors are removed making them easier to digest. After soaking, drain and rinse, ready to eat or use in a recipe. If you are not using them right away, simply keep in a glass jar, covered with filtered water, in the fridge, for up to a week (change the water daily).
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