Why are Almond Nuts Good for You?
Historically almonds have been cultivated since about 3000 BC. They originate from the Mediterranean region and for a long time, this tasty nut, was regarded as a desirable gift. Almonds are scrumptious, nutritious, and versatile in how they can be enjoyed. Here are some of the reasons why you might want to reach for them…
What’s an Almond Nut?
Even though almonds are commonly known as almond nuts, they are actually an eatable seed surrounded by a hard fruit covering. This means that technically speaking they are not true nuts but rather drupes. An almond tree is part of the Rosaceae (Rose) family, which also includes apples, cherries, pears, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries.
There are two different varieties of almond nuts: sweet almonds and bitter almonds. Sweet almonds are used to snack on, in cooking and baking or to make beverages such as Omello’s Almond Milk and Almond Oat Milk. The oil of bitter almonds is used, for example, in liqueurs and flavouring extracts.
Where do Almond Nuts come from?
Almonds are harvested from trees that grow between 3 – 4.5m tall. They flower annually and their five-petal, fragrant flowers are white to light pink in colour. Trees prefer to grow in Mediterranean-type climates. Most of the world’s almonds come from California. However, Omello Almond Nuts are locally sourced in South Africa. Almond trees are completely dependent on external pollination. This means that they depend on bees (or humans) to pollinate them so that they can produce almond nuts.
What’s Inside an Almond Nut?
Almonds can be a tasty snack, and are a great ingredient for cooking or baking. They can also be used to make a variety of products from oils to milk. Almonds are a powerhouse of nutritional goodness. This means they are great as a healthy addition to your diet or can be used to boost energy levels.
Almonds Contain:
- Vitamins E and B7 (biotin) which promote skin, nail and hair health.
- Minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium and zinc
- Protein that’s needed for tissue repair and healthy growth.
- Fibre which assists in maintaining a healthy bowel.
- Unsaturated fats that are heart-friendly.
- Antioxidants (Phytonutrients), specifically flavonoids, plant sterols and phenolic acids.
Potential Health Benefits of Almonds
It’s suggested that almonds are a treasure trove of potential health benefits. Reportedly they can reduce heart disease risk by lowering cholesterol. As they have antioxidants in them, they can assist with eye health, aid brain function and mental health as well as support healthy ageing. Furthermore, almond nuts are used by some as an anti-inflammatory. Some studies also show that nuts can promote healthy blood vessels as well as help reduce insulin resistance. For many generations, almond nuts have also been used to assist with heartburn and acid reflux.
And the list goes on….It’s therefore no wonder that almond products, such as Omello Almond Milk and Omello Almond Oat Milk, are some of the most popular ways to reach for some nuts!