Awesome Almonds!

The Almond tree is a native of the warmer parts of western Asia and of North Africa, but it has been extensively distributed over the warm temperate regions of the World. Sicily and Southern Italy are the chief Almond-producing countries; Spain, Portugal, the South of France, the Balearic Islands and Morocco also export considerable quantities.
Classified as a nut, almonds are actually the seed of the fruit of the almond tree. They are one of the most nutritious of all nuts. They are low in saturated fat, high in monosaturated fat (“good” fat) and contain many other protective nutrients. Listed below are some on the most awesome benefits you can obtain from eating almonds.

Did You Know?

One ounce of almonds contains 12 percent of your daily allowance of protein and since they are a plant based food, they contain absolutely no cholesterol. You’ll also get 35 percent of your daily allowance of vitamin E.
Almonds are rich in compounds called phytochemicals, which may help protect against cardiovascular disease and even cancer.
Almonds are also loaded with minerals like magnesium, phosphorus and zinc, which are vital for overall health and well-being.
Almonds are a great source of healthy fiber.
Eating twelve almonds per day can provide you with the recommended daily allowance of essential fatty acids.
20-25 almonds contain as much calcium as ¼ cup of milk.
Almonds help prevent osteoporosis and regulate blood pressure. They also provide protection against diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Almonds are a great source of folic acid (vitamin B9), which is especially important for women who are pregnant.
In Ayurveda, an ancient system of health care that is native to the Indian subcontinent, almonds are considered a nutrient for the brain and nervous system. It is said to induce high intellectual level and longevity.
Almonds can be ground down into flour. This flour is gluten-free and therefore a popular ingredient in place of wheat flour.

Soaking Nuts Prior to Eating

It is vitally important to soak nuts and seeds prior to eating them. The main reason is because they contain enzyme inhibitors. The purpose of these enzyme inhibitors is to protect the nut or seed until it has what it needs for growing.
In nature, when it rains the nut gets enough moisture so it can germinate and produce a plant. The plant then continues to grow with the sunlight.
By soaking nuts and seeds, you release these toxic enzyme inhibitors and increase the life and vitality contained within them.
Soaking your nuts and seeds will neutralize the enzyme inhibitors, increase the amount of vitamins your body can absorb, ability to digest improves, and phytic acid which inhibits the absorption of vital minerals is reduced.
Ideally, almonds should be soaked 8-12 hours.

A Great Alternative to Milk


As a follow up to our previous page on the negative health effects of dairy, we thought it would be fitting to provide you with an alternative to milk. In the video below, you will learn a very simple way to make almond milk.


Ingredients:
-2 cups of water
-1/4 cup of soaked almonds (soaking the almonds is optional)
-1 tsp of raw, unpasteurized honey
-1/8 tsp of vanilla extract (optional)
-A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
*blend all ingredients together until smooth. Stain, chill (optional), then serve or add to cereal*

Continue reading here: Health Basics: 10 Tricks to Never Eating Meat Again

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