What are Almonds?

When the almond tree bears fruit, the seeds of these fruits are referred to as almond nuts. Almonds are off-white in colour, encased in a pale-brownish covering. They may have a sweet or bitter taste and can be consumed raw, roasted or blanched. They are commonly used either as a snack or incorporated into many dishes and desserts.

How are Almonds Grown and Harvested?

• Almond trees produce white, pinkish flowers that go on to produce fruits.

• The fruit contains a fuzzy outer layer, i.e the hull, and a hard shell, i.e kernel that contains almonds.

• The hull matures and splits open, causing the almond to dry.

• These almonds are harvested from the tree, typically between August and October, using mechanical tree shakers or manual methods.

Health Benefits of Almonds Dry Fruit

Almonds are rich in protein, healthy fats, fibres, vitamins and minerals that provide multiple health benefits-

• Helps to control Blood Sugar Level- Almonds help regulate blood sugar levels, as they have a low glycemic index, preventing the risk of type-2 diabetes. It contains magnesium, an essential nutrient, whose intake helps in controlling blood sugar levels in the body.

• Low Cholesterol Levels- Almonds are rich in healthy fats and fibre, which help lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol levels in the body. This enhances heart health.

• Weight Loss Management- Almonds are rich in protein, fibre and healthy fats that help provide a full appetite and prevent overeating. It reduces overall calorie intake in the body which helps in weight loss efforts.

Also read - Top 8 Dry Fruits for Weight Loss You Must Try

• Promotes Bone Health- Almonds contain a rich amount of calcium, magnesium and vitamin E that help in healthy bone growth and maintenance. Calcium builds and maintains strong bones, magnesium helps in calcium absorption and bone formation, while vitamin E prevents bone cell damage.

• Boost Brain Health- Almonds enhance brain health, as they contain essential nutrients like vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids that protect brain cells and improve overall brain functions.

• Promotes Skin Health- Almonds provide radiant, healthy and moisturising skin. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamin E and healthy fats that help hydrate skin, protect skin cells from damage and enhance skin glow.

Nutritional Facts About Almonds

• High in Health Fats- Almonds are rich in healthy fats, mainly monounsaturated fats that help enhance heart health.
• Rich in Protein- Almonds are a rich source of protein. It is a good option as a protein source for people following a vegetarian or vegan diet.
• Packed with Vitamins- Almonds are packed with essential vitamins like vitamin E and riboflavin. These vitamins are essential for boosting bone health, metabolism and protecting cells from damage.
• Loaded with Minerals- Almonds contain numerous minerals such as magnesium, copper, calcium, manganese, zinc and phosphorus. These minerals help improve overall bodily functions like boosting bone health, immunity, muscle functions and many more.
• High in Fiber- Almonds are rich in dietary fibre, which improves digestion and regulates blood sugar levels in the body.

Also read - 12 Health Benefits of Almonds and its Nutrition Value

Adding Almonds to Your Diet

You can add almonds to your diet in the following ways-

• Snacks - Raw or roasted almonds are very effective as the perfect snack to munch on at any time of the day.
• Almond Flour - Use almond flour as a substitute for flour in baked goods.
• Chopped almonds - You can add chopped almonds as toppings for oatmeal, cereals, salads and baked goods.
• Almond milk and butter - Almond butter is an ideal spread option, while almond milk can be added to smoothies, shakes as a suitable dairy alternative.

Storage Tips for Almonds

Here are some tips to store almonds to ensure they stay fresh for a long time-

• Airtight container- Store almonds in an airtight container to prevent moisture and air from entering, which can cause damage to almonds.
• Cupboards and Pantry- Store almonds in a cool and dry place like cupboards and pantries, to keep them away from sunlight and other sources of heat.
• Refrigerator- To store them for more than a few months, refrigerate the almonds to ensure freshness.
• Freezer- For extended storage for up to a year, almonds can be stored in a freezer.

Happilo Almonds

You can buy almonds online in India on Happilo's website. These almonds act as a healthy, nutritious snack to get you through the day. They are rich in minerals, protein, fibres and healthy fats that are a staple for your diet if you want to stay healthy!