Almonds

What is Almonds?

Although many of us would consider almonds to be nuts, scientifically speaking they are closer to peach pits. They are actually the fruits of deciduous (meaning that the leaves fall off every year) trees originally found in Asia and North Africa. Instead of growing a sweet fleshy pulp around the seed, almonds develop a leathery coating. Beneath this shell lies a hardened pit with a dark skin, much like a pit from a freestone peach.

Almonds come in two varieties, sweet and bitter. Sweet almonds are used in many Asian dishes, as well as dessert pastes and garnishes

The almond (Prunus dulcis, syn. Prunus amygdalus Batsch., Amygdalus communis L., Amygdalus dulcis Mill.), is a species of tree native to the Middle East and South Asia. "Almond" is also the name of the edible and widely cultivated seed of this tree. Within the genus Prunus, it is classified with the peach in the subgenus Amygdalus, distinguished from the other subgenera by the corrugated shell (endocarp) surrounding the seed.

The fruit of the almond is a drupe, consisting of an outer hull and a hard shell with the seed (which is not a true nut) inside. Shelling almonds refers to removing the shell to reveal the seed. Almonds are sold shelled (i.e., after the shells are removed), or unshelled (i.e., with the shells still attached). Blanched almonds are shelled almonds that have been treated with hot water to soften the seedcoat, which is then removed to reveal the white embryo.

Health Benefits

• Good for brain: Almond is a source of many nutrients which help in development of the brain. Including Almond in kids diet considered good as Almond induces high intellectual level. So good to include 2-3 pieces in morning breakfast.
• Regulates cholesterol: Regular consumption of almonds helps to increase the level of high density lipoproteins (HDL) and reduce the level of low density lipoproteins (LDL), thereby effectively controlling cholesterol levels. LDL cholesterol is called bad cholesterol.
• Good for heart: Mono-saturated fat, protein and potassium contained in almonds are good for the heart. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and reduces the risk of heart diseases. The presence of magnesium in almonds helps to avoid heart attacks. Almonds help reduce C-reactive protein which causes artery-damaging inflammation. Almond is also a source of folic acid. They therefore help to reduce the level of homocystein, which causes fatty plaque buildup in arteries.
• Skin care: The benefits of almond for skin care are well known, and hence a massage with almond oil is often recommended for new born babies. Almond milk is also added in some soaps as almonds help in improving the complexion of the skin.
• Regulates blood pressure: Potassium present in almond helps to regulates blood pressure. Almonds are very low in sodium which also helps in containing blood pressure.
• Prevention of cancer: Almond improves the movement of food through the colon, thereby preventing colon cancer.
• Protection against diabetes: Almonds also help in reducing the rise in sugar and insulin levels after meals. This offers protection from diabetes.
• Good in pregnancy: Almond contains folic acid. Folic acid helps to reduce the incidence of birth defects in newborn babies.
• Weight loss: Unsweetened almond milk helps one to reduce weight. The mono-saturated fat contained in almonds satisfies appetite and prevents over-eating. Studies have revealed that almond rich low calorie diet is good for obese people to assist in shedding their weight.
• Prevention of constipation: Almonds are rich in fibre. Like most other fibre rich food, almonds also help in preventing constipation. Make sure you drink good amount of water after eating almonds.
• Boosts energy: The presence of manganese, copper and Riboflavin helps in energy production.

Original source: http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/seed-and-nut/health-benefits-of-almonds.html

Medical disclaimer:

The information and reference guides in this website are intended solely for the general information for the reader. It is not to be used to diagnose health problems or for treatment purposes. It is not a substitute for medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. Please consult your health care provider for any advice on medications.

Names In Other Languages for Almonds(Arabic, Assamese, Bengali,Chinese, French, German, Gujarati,Hindi, Kannada, Malay, Malayalam, Oriya, Sinhala, Spanish, Tamil, Telugu, Turkish, Urdu):

Nutritional value

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Amounts per 1 cup, ground (95g)

Calorie Information Amounts Per Selected Serving %DV Calories 546 (2286 kJ) 27%   From Carbohydrate 83.3 (349 kJ)   From Fat 393 (1645 kJ)   From Protein 70.0 (293 kJ)   From Alcohol 0.0 (0.0 kJ) Carbohydrates Amounts Per Selected Serving %DV Total Carbohydrate 20.6 g 7% Dietary Fiber 11.6 g 46% Starch 0.7 g Sugars 3.7 g Fats & Fatty Acids Amounts Per Selected Serving %DV Total Fat 47.0 g 72% Saturated Fat 3.5 g 18% Monounsaturated Fat 29.3 g Polyunsaturated Fat 11.5 g Total trans fatty acids 0.0 g Total trans-monoenoic fatty acids 0.0 g Total trans-polyenoic fatty acids 0.0 g Total Omega-3 fatty acids 5.7 mg Total Omega-6 fatty acids 11462 mg Learn more about these fatty acids and their equivalent names

Protein & Amino Acids Amounts Per Selected Serving %DV Protein 20.2 g 40% Vitamins Amounts Per Selected Serving %DV Vitamin A 1.0 IU 0% Vitamin C 0.0 mg 0% Vitamin D ~ ~ Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol) 24.9 mg 125% Vitamin K 0.0 mcg 0% Thiamin 0.2 mg 13% Riboflavin 1.0 mg 57% Niacin 3.2 mg 16% Vitamin B6 0.1 mg 7% Folate 47.5 mcg 12% Vitamin B12 0.0 mcg 0% Pantothenic Acid 0.4 mg 4% Choline 49.5 mg Betaine 0.5 mg Minerals Amounts Per Selected Serving %DV Calcium 251 mg 25% Iron 3.5 mg 20% Magnesium 255 mg 64% Phosphorus 460 mg 46% Potassium 670 mg 19% Sodium 1.0 mg 0% Zinc 2.9 mg 20% Copper 0.9 mg 47% Manganese 2.2 mg 109% Selenium 2.4 mcg 3% Fluoride ~ Sterols Amounts Per Selected Serving %DV Cholesterol 0.0 mg 0% Phytosterols ~ Other Amounts Per Selected Serving %DV Alcohol 0.0 g Water 4.5 g Ash 2.8 g Caffeine 0.0 mg Theobromine 0.0 mg

Footnotes for Nuts, almonds [Includes USDA commodity food A256, A264]

Source: Nutrient data for this listing was provided by USDA SR-21. Each "~" indicates a missing or incomplete value.

Percent Daily Values (%DV) are for adults or children aged 4 or older, and are based on a 2,000 calorie reference diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower based on your individual needs.

Nutrition Data's Opinion, Completeness Score™, Fullness Factor™, Rating, Estimated Glycemic Load (eGL), and Better Choices Substitutions™ are editorial opinions of NutritionData.com, given without warranty, and are not intended to replace the advice of a nutritionist or health-care professional. Nutrition Data's opinions and ratings are based on weighted averages of the nutrient densities of those nutrients for which the FDA has established Daily Values, and do not consider other nutrients that may be important to your health or take into account your individual needs. Consequently, Nutrition Data's higher-rated foods may not necessarily be healthier for you than lower-rated ones. All foods, regardless of their rating, have the potential to play an important role in your diet.

The Amino Acid Score has not been corrected for digestibility, which could reduce its value.

IF Rating™ is a trademark of Monica Reinagel. Data for the IF Rating was provided by inflammationfactor.com.

Read More http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/nut-and-seed-products/3085/2#ixzz2AJmrJNgI
Almonds Substitute

Pista or Cashew can be of good substitute

Where it can be used

While the almond is often eaten on its own, raw or toasted, it is also a component of various dishes. Almonds are available in many forms, such as whole, sliced (flaked, slivered), and as almond butter, almond milk and almond oil. These variations can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes.

Almonds can be sprinkled over breakfasts and desserts, particularly muesli or ice cream based dishes. Almonds are used baking like cakes, ice cream, cookies etc...Almond butter can be used sa spread on bread or cookies They are also used to make almond butter, a spread similar to peanut butter, popular with peanut allergy 

How to Store

Store it in airtight container or zip lag bag, away from direct sun light

Recipe Using  Almonds(Here I list only main dishes.. but Almonds an be used in lot of dishes for decoration or just to add little flavour)

https://kitchensrecipe.com/?s=almonds