Almonds

Almonds are a powerhouse of health benefits and indispensable in rawfood recipes. Those are the nuts you want to eat every day, not only because of their subtle taste but because of their alkaline properties. In fact almonds are the only nuts who are alkaline, all others are acid forming. This is good news because sometimes we tend to overeat nuts. If you do, better do it in almonds. But one handful a day is enough to provide you a lot of the nutrients you need. Don’t peel them or you will throw away its most important benefit: high levels of antioxidant flavonoids who help to inhibit the oxidation of low density lipoproteins.  Plaque formation in the arteries will be reduced.

Before using almonds or any other brown nuts, cover up with spring water and soak them overnight. This will release all enzyme inhibitors and make digestion easier. Rinse well in the morning and if you are not using them right away, dry them in the sun or in a dehydrator before storing in a sealed container.

Each tiny nut is packed with valuable qualities…

• Almonds contain high levels of calcium and are a great replacement for our daily  cup of milk
• They are preventing us from osteoporosis
• These high levels of calcium also lower the risk of colon and rectal cancers
• Chewing a few almonds can relieve heartburn because of their high oil content
• Although a high oil content, there is no cholesterol whatsoever
• Almonds only provide “good” fat, the monounsaturated fat
• These good fats help losing weight
• One handful of almonds delivers us the necessary quantity of proteins we need that day
• Another valuable antioxidant, vitamin E will nourish and protect us
• They are loaded with minerals and healthy fiber
• The phosphorus will build strong bones and teeth
• The magnesium strengthens our muscles and heart
• Another important electrolyte, potassium, is essential for maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function
• They are a great source of folic acid
• The tryptophan promotes sleep
• Almonds can help keep your blood sugar under control while eating foods with a higher glycemic index and are extremely good for diabetics
• So yes, go nuts with almonds…