31 Days of Raw: Day #8 - Almonds

31 Days of Raw: Day #8 Almonds

While I try to eat as many fruits and vegetables as possible, nuts definitely have a place in my raw journey.  First, they satisfy that full feeling I need when an apple is just not taking care of my hunger needs.  So, I grab some almond butter and smear a little on that apple slice, and it’s wonderful! Almonds are the least expensive nuts that I’ve found so far: Costco sells them for under $4 a pound, which goes a long way.  I use them in everything from dips to pie crusts, ice cream to lettuce wraps.  They are a beautiful peanut substitute and I enjoy almond butter, almond trail mix, even almond cream on cakes. They are is so many of my recipes, actually, that it’s hard to narrow it down to just one to share with you.  After reading about WHY you should eat these little beauties, find out HOW to use them simply.

Almonds

Good for brain:
Almonds are a source of many nutrients which help in development of the brain.   Almonds contain phenylalanine, a chemical that assists in the development of cognitive functions.  Eating a handful of almonds a day can improve your memory.  Almonds induce a high intellectual level and have been considered an essential food item for growing children. It is recommended that mothers give almonds soaked in water to their children daily in the morning, or substitute almond milk instead of cow’s milk.

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.  A study showed those who consumed nuts five times a week had a 50% reduction in risk of heart attack. Huge amounts of vitamin E found in these nuts acts as an antioxidant and reduces the risk of heart diseases. Almonds also help reduce C-reactive protein (CRP) which causes artery-damaging inflammation.

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. Almonds are rich source of vitamin E which is essential nutrient for healthy skin. Also, they are rich source of monounsaturated fat, and helps in lowering cholesterol level. Selenium, an anti-oxidant mineral is also present in almonds which help in fighting the process of aging. It will also help in decreasing dark circles and sunken eyes.

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. It is an excellent source of Vitamin E, phytochemicals and flavanoids, which suppress the growth of breast cancer cells.  It is also rich in boron, which helps prevent prostate cancer.

Bone Health:
They are a very good source of calcium which prevents osteoporosis and strengthens the bones, teeth and muscles. It also provides other nutrients that help to increase the bone mineral density, which helps to strengthen the skeletal system.

 Diabetes:
They are a low glycemic index (GI) food. When eaten with a high GI food, it helps in reducing the rise in sugar and insulin levels after meals.

Pregnancy:
Almond contains folic acid. Folic acid helps to reduce the incidence of birth defects in newborn babies.

Weight management:
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 fiber. Like most other fiber rich food, almonds also help in preventing constipation.

Boosts energy:
The presence of manganese, copper and Riboflavin helps in energy production.

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Almond Snack Bars

•  1 cup almonds
• ½ cup dates
• ½ lemon, juiced
• ½ cup raisins
• ½ apple

In a food processor, grind nuts smaller (but not a powder). Add the rest of the ingredients and pulse until well combined, no large lumps, and nice and sticky.  Line a brownie pan with plastic wrap (or foil, or whatever you feel safe with) and press the mixture into it – should be about ¼” to ½” thick.  Next, chill in fridge.  When you want a bar, take pan out, slice into long rectangles and you can wrap each individual one in wrap or foil and save for when you want another. Will last a LONG time in your fridge and should last at room temperature for at least a few hours.  I take these with me camping.  A wonderfully nutritionally dense little snack. :)

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