What are the Health Benefits of Almonds?

Health benefits of almonds range from promoting heart health to aiding in weight loss. People who enjoy almonds as a snack may also appreciate how almonds can help lower cholesterol. Rich in vitamins and minerals, almonds are also considered a dietary superfood.

People with high blood pressure may eat almonds in order to help regulate their chronic condition. The food is low in sodium, a nutrient that contributes to high blood pressure when consumed in high amounts. They are also a good source of potassium, which helps combat high blood pressure and promotes heart health.

Almonds promote a healthy heart in many other ways. The vitamin E, monounsaturated fat, magnesium, and antioxidants found within the nuts have been scientifically proven to help improve blood flood and general heart health. The cholesterol-lowering effects of almonds can also help almond snackers maintain healthy hearts.

High in protein, almonds can help people, especially dieters, reach a level of fullness quickly. Nearly 20 percent of the almond is protein, which provides almost half the protein a grown human requires on a daily basis. This protein content also increases the aesthetic benefits of almonds, such as their impact on healthy hair and skin.

Calcium is another nutrient found in almonds. A single serving of almonds can contain up to a quarter of one's daily calcium needs, making the nuts an excellent source of the nutrient. Such high levels of calcium make almonds a tooth and bone strengthening food as well.

In order to obtain the weight loss benefits of almonds, the nuts should be consumed in moderation. A single serving of almonds, which consists of a quarter cup (75 grams) of the nuts, contains 206 calories. Such a high caloric content can add to weight gain rather than help manage one's diet if not consumed lightly. People who regularly consume nuts like almonds usually have a lower body mass index.

Other health benefits of almonds include cancer-fighting potential and diabetes management. The antioxidants and fiber help make almonds a power food that may help reduce the risk of both colon and breast cancer. Almonds can help people with diabetes manager their insulin and blood sugar levels following meals.

Those who regularly consume almonds can lower their risk of developing gallstones by up to 25 percent. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, the benefits of almonds extend to the brain. Eating only five almonds daily has been said to help boost brainpower and improve the brain's functions.