Almonds were mentioned in The Bible with the story of Aaron’s rod blossoming and bearing fruit, this was taken to be a symbol of divine approval. The Romans used almonds as a fertility charm given on the wedding day, still today sugared almonds are given to wedding guests as a sign and fruitfulness.
As an integral part of the Mediterranean diet almonds should certainly be part of the daily diet - but not too large a part.
Nutritional Content of Almonds
Almonds have a high fat content with around 100grams of almonds providing almost 600 calories, but they are highly nutritious. They are a great source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated oils, protein, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc and vitamin E.
These properties along with their antioxidant flavonoids and amygdalin have given almonds a reputation as an anticancer food and effective as part of a cholesterol –lowering diet.
How to Store Almonds
It’s best, for the full health benefit of almonds, to eat them raw and to purchase them still in their shells. Buy fresh looking almonds and store them in a sealed container in a cool dark place. Because of their high fat content they will rapidly turn rancid if kept in a warm, damp environment.
It’s possible to store almonds in both the fridge or the freezer and it’s best if they are kept in their shells.
How to Blanch Almonds
If you want to remove the skins it’s best to blanch them for a few minutes – putting them into boiling water – until the skin starts to swell, then drain and rinse them. Pinch the one end of the almond and it should slide right out of its brown skin.
Introducing Almonds to your Diet
- Almonds can be chopped in a food processor; if a lot are processed at one time it’ll be almond butter, for chopped almonds add only a few at a time to the processor.
- Add chopped almonds on cereals or into plain yoghurt.
- Add a handful into your crumble topping mixture
- Eat them as a snack - but not too many!
- Use almond butter on wholemeal toast or in a sandwich
- Add them to cakes and biscuits - an especially good way to get the kids to eat them
Eat well, stay healthy by protecting your body with natural foods.
Article Source: The Condensed Encyclopedia of Healing Foods by Michael Murray N.D and Joseph Pizzorno N.D with Lara Pizzorno M.A, L.M.T.
See here for a review of The Condensed Encyclopedia of Healing Foods
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