The Heart-Healthy Benefits Of Almonds
If you are looking to lose weight and get heart-healthy then you are probably looking for foods that can help you along the way. So look no further than almonds. According to a study authored by Dr. David J.A. Jenkins at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, Canada, eating almonds daily positively affects the lipid levels in your blood and can reduce your cholesterol levels by up to 10%.
Dr. Jenkins’ study isn’t the only one to show the heart-healthy benefits of almonds; medical communities across the globe, from the WHO to the Physicians Health Study, recommend eating more almonds to maintain safe cholesterol levels. This is welcome news for those who are either at risk of heart disease or just want to keep heart healthy and relish the opportunity to indulge in nutty treats.
Almonds are native to the Middle East and are high in good mono-saturated fats; they are also rich in potassium and magnesium, both of which promote cardiovascular functioning. Almonds have been a medicinal food since classical antiquity; they have been used in both traditional and modern homeopathic medicine to treat eczema, reduce inflammation, and aid colon and digestive health.
Researchers recommend that eating anywhere from 1 to 6 handfuls of almonds a day will help you maintain safe cholesterol levels and lower your risk of heart disease. Almonds can also help fight the fight against diabetes because they regulate your blood sugar levels after you have eaten. When blood sugar levels fluctuate rapidly—as a result of long gaps between meals or snacks—then the body becomes diabetes-friendly.
Almonds can be eaten raw or in the form of almond butter and can also be used as a gluten replacement in baking. They can be sprinkled on salads and baked with chicken. They are indeed versatile and yummy.
As you can see almonds are heart-healthy and taste-friendly. They are easy to carry around with you everywhere you go, coming in handy when you have a snack emergency. Add them to your weight loss and heart health routines and see a change in your health.
Are you looking for more information about heart-healthy foods like almonds? Get involved in the discussion on Facebook and Twitter. We’d love to hear you out and help you out!
Image courtesy of antpkr / FreeDigitalPhotos.net