Almonds, often considered one of the healthiest nuts, offer a plethora of surprising benefits for your overall well-being. While technically not nuts but part of the drupe family, these stone fruits related to peaches are packed with essential nutrients that can boost your health in various ways.
Almonds’ Nutritional Value
Almonds are rich in vital vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to your diet. Just one ounce of almonds provides:
- Fiber: 3.54g, 14% of RDA
- Protein: 6.01g, 13% of RDA for adult women
- Magnesium: 76.5mg, 23% of RDA for adult women
- Calcium: 76.3mg, about 7% of RDA
- Potassium: 208mg, 8% of RDA for women
- Iron: 1.05mg, 12% of RDA
- Vitamin E: 7.3mg, 48% of RDA
Moreover, almonds are a great source of antioxidants and flavonoids that protect your cells from free radical damage.
Health Benefits of Almonds
Here’s a closer look at how including almonds in your diet can benefit your health:
1. Cardiovascular Health
Studies indicate that consuming almonds can contribute to a healthy heart. The good fats in almonds help reduce LDL cholesterol levels, while magnesium aids in regulating blood pressure, heart rate, and combating stress. Additionally, almonds’ antioxidants help combat inflammation, supporting overall cardiovascular health.
2. Weight Management
Almonds are rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats that promote a feeling of fullness, potentially preventing overeating. Research suggests that consuming 1.5 ounces of almonds daily can help in weight management. Almonds may also have a thermogenic effect, slightly boosting metabolism.
3. Muscle Function
Almonds contain magnesium essential for nerve and muscle function, especially for physically active individuals. Regular almond consumption can enhance physical performance and prevent muscle twitches, spasms, and cramps.
4. Cognitive Health
With their rich content of vitamin E, antioxidants, and healthy fats, almonds are beneficial for brain health. These nutrients protect the brain from oxidative stress and support neuroplasticity, aiding memory formation.
5. Mood Improvement
Almonds are known to help regulate neurotransmitters, combatting anxiety and depression. They are also a good source of phenolic acids, which can alleviate symptoms of depression by positively impacting various bodily systems and functions that influence mood.
6. Blood Sugar Control
Almonds are digested slowly, causing minimal impact on blood sugar levels. The combination of fiber, monounsaturated fats, zinc, and magnesium helps the body utilize insulin effectively. Eating almonds before a glucose test can significantly lower blood sugar levels.
7. Cancer Prevention
The high concentration of antioxidants, particularly vitamin E, in almonds plays a crucial role in protecting the body from oxidative stress, thus reducing the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.
8. Bone Health
Almonds’ magnesium, calcium, and vitamin E content make them a healthy snack for maintaining bone health. These nutrients are vital for bone formation and structural integrity, especially important for women at risk of osteoporosis.
Considerations When Consuming Almonds
While almonds offer numerous health benefits, moderation is key. Here are some factors to consider when adding almonds to your diet:
1. Caloric Content
Almonds are calorie-dense due to their high fat content. Overindulging may lead to weight gain, especially if not balanced with adequate exercise. Stick to a recommended serving size of one ounce (approximately 23 almonds) per day.
2. Mineral Absorption
Almonds contain phytic acid, which can hinder mineral absorption. Soaking or roasting almonds before consumption can reduce phytic acid levels, allowing better utilization of essential minerals.
3. Allergies
Individuals with nut allergies should be cautious as almonds share proteins with tree nuts. Consider alternative nutrient-rich options like pumpkin seeds if allergic to almonds.
By incorporating almonds into your diet in moderation, you can enjoy their many health benefits and boost your overall well-being. Whether eaten as a snack, added to dishes, or blended into smoothies, almonds offer a versatile and nutritious addition to your daily meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do we mean by complementary medicine?
Complementary Medicine refers to any medical treatment that works in conjunction with mainstream medicine. This covers treatments like acupuncture, aromatherapy and chiropractic care, homeopathy or hypnosis as well massage therapy, naturopathy, reflexology and traditional Chinese medicine.
Complementary medicine is not meant to be used in place of conventional medicine, but instead as a complement. These complementary medicines are also known as “alternative”, “integrative”, or “integrative” medicine. They combine Western scientific methods and other proven therapies to heal people.
What is Alternative Medicine?
It’s a method of healing that focuses more on prevention than treatment. It encourages people become educated consumers who are actively involved in improving their overall health and well-being.
Alternative medicine refers to any system of diagnosis and treatment that does not employ allopathic (conventional) medical practices.
Why is holistic healing better?
Holistic health care focuses on treating the whole person rather than on individual symptoms. This involves looking at the person’s feelings, food, lifestyle, stress levels, etc.
Holistic medicine addresses all aspects of the patient’s life, and treats them as a whole. While it sounds simple, it can be very challenging to implement in practice because doctors often focus on the patient’s physical health.
What is the difference between alternative medicine, complementary medicine and other medicine?
Alternative medicine refers specifically to any treatments that aren’t recommended by mainstream medical professionals but have proven to be effective for certain conditions. You can find examples of acupuncture as homeopathy, aromatherapy or reflexology, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, and even naturopathy. Complementary medicines are therapies that can be used alongside traditional medicine. These include nutritional supplements like vitamins, minerals or herbs, amino acid, enzymes or probiotics.
While both forms of medicine are commonly used, many conventional doctors do not recommend them due to insufficient evidence or safety concerns.
There is no consensus among healthcare providers about the best approach to integrating CAM within patient care.
Many CAM practices are based on theories developed over thousands of years. These therapies have had some clinical success over the past 20-years.
A number of studies suggest that acupuncture may be able to relieve pain. The preliminary data suggests that acupuncture may decrease nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy. Some studies have shown that acupuncture may be beneficial for irritable bowel syndrome (FBS), fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple Sclerosis, migraines, tension headaches as well as anxiety and depression.
Some CAM treatments may also have therapeutic potential for diseases such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes and asthma, heart disease, heart disease, hypertension or Alzheimer’s disease.
Although there is still much to learn about the effectiveness and safety of CAM, experts are unanimous in their belief that it can be used to treat various conditions.
People are increasingly turning to CAM practitioners to find relief from common ailments.
Despite the popularity of alternative and complementary medicine, many people are still unsure what they mean.
Statistics
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING, TENSION-TYPEHEADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed. The Effect of Foot reflexology on Hospital Anxiety, Depression and Suffering in Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Test – PubMed
doi.org
webmd.com
nccih.nih.gov
How To
What are the Shortcomings and Advances in Holistic Medicine?
Holistic medicine is a medical practice that emphasizes the importance of mind, body, spirit, environment, and social factors in the healing process. It was developed during the late 19th century by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), who published his first book, The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure, in 1924. He used simple techniques such as meditation, visualization, and hypnosis. This therapy helped patients suffering from stress, anxiety and depression as well as pain, insomnia, and other ailments. This type of therapy also helps patients to cope with their problems, and improve their quality-of-life.
While holistic therapies are still being used today, there is not enough evidence to support their effectiveness. However, studies show these treatments can help to relieve chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, arthritis and other ailments.
Advances and shortcomings of holistic medicine are:
- There is insufficient scientific evidence. A small number of well-designed randomized controlled trials, (RCTs), evaluate the health benefits of holistic treatments. Positive results are most common in observational studies.
- Alternative medicine is less expensive than conventional medicine. Alternative medicines may be more affordable than traditional medicines, especially if the patient eats a healthy diet.
- Patients do NOT feel pressured or compelled to follow prescribed protocols.
- Many doctors recommend complementary therapies without prescribing them.
- Many holistic treatments can be combined with traditional medicine. For example, acupuncture may be combined with medication or surgery.
- People believe alternative treatments are better than traditional medicine.
- Alternative drugs are considered more natural and less harmful than traditional drugs.
- Many patients seek out complementary therapies to help them adapt their lifestyles. They not only want to live a healthy life but also want to be happy.
- Holistic treatments are more beneficial for patients.
- Older adults are increasingly turning to holistic treatments.
- Complementary treatments require more research.
- Research shows that people are more inclined to try other treatments than going to the doctor.
- Doctors need to be able to see that not all patients are candidates for alternative treatments.
- Holistic treatments must be an integral part of culture and education.
- Holistic treatments might not be for everyone.
- To help patients make informed decisions about treatment options, it is essential that we learn how to do so.
- Holistic treatments aren’t only for hippies.
- Holistic treatments cannot cure certain diseases.
- Holistic treatments are sometimes dangerous.
- For certain conditions, holistic therapies are beneficial.
- Holistic treatments can be very effective.
- Holistic therapies are based upon ancient wisdom.
- Holistic therapies are simple to learn.
- Holistic treatments are difficult to learn.
- Holistic treatments are hard to learn.
- Holistic treatments can be too costly.
- Holistic treatments can be very costly.
- Holistic treatment is less costly than conventional medicine.
- Holistic treatments tend to be more expensive that conventional medicine.
****
Holistic Medicine–A Brief History
Holistic medicine is a method of healing that treats the whole person, not just the symptoms. It addresses all aspects, including the physical, emotional and mental, as well as cultural, social, occupational, environmental, and cultural factors. It is a way to prevent illness through diet, exercise or stress management.
Bastyr University, Seattle was the first school to offer holistic medicine. It was founded in 1972. Holistic medicine was born after Dr. Andrew Weil published “Spontaneous Healing” 1996. Dr. David Williams, and Dr. Michael Murray founded the American Holistic Medical Association in 1997. There are hundreds of holistic medicine schools all over the world, including Bastyr University in Columbia, Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons and Maharishi Ayurveda Institute.
The World Health Organization named holistic medicine as one of five key trends in healthcare in 2013. This trend integrates conventional care with complementary therapies like homeopathy, acupuncture or herbalism, massage, therapy, reiki, yoga and meditation. This integration seeks to provide safe, efficient, patient-centered care, while minimizing side effects.
Holistic medicine works as a result of an interconnected mind-body-spirit. An imbalance in any of these components can lead to illness. Let’s take, for instance:
Anxiety and stress can make you anxious, causing you to feel tense or out of balance. Your body reacts by making cortisol. This hormone increases inflammation throughout your body. You feel weak, tired, and sick as a result.
Anxiety and negative emotions can lead to anxiety, fear, grief, sadness, and other unpleasant feelings. These feelings can lead to stress in the brain. If you don’t treat this stress, your body can produce adrenaline (and cortisol) if it isn’t addressed. Adrenaline stimulates your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. Cortisol has a negative impact on your immune system and digestive tract. Both hormones can cause fatigue and muscle tension, headaches as well as dizziness.
If your spirit is low, it can cause you to lose faith in yourself and your ability to see the good in others. A lack of self-esteem and confidence can also lead to low self-esteem. This can lead you to poor eating habits and unhealthy relationships. It can also cause low energy. A healthy spirit makes you happy, joyful, peaceful and optimistic.
The difference between alternative medicine and allopathic medicine
Allopathic medicine is based upon the scientific method. Doctors use xrays to diagnose patients. If needed, they may prescribe medication or perform surgery. Allopathic doctors believe they are able to diagnose and treat illness. Alternative medicine involves herbs, vitamins minerals, diet, exercise and spiritual healing. Alternative medicine does not have a defined definition. It is sometimes called natural medicine, integrative medical, or complementary medicine. Other names include traditional medicine and naturopathic medicines.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Dick Benson
Title: Discover the Health Benefits of Almonds and How to Incorporate Them into Your Diet
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/nutrition/8-surprising-health-benefits-of-eating-almonds/
Published Date: Fri, 09 Aug 2024 02:28:41 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What do we mean by complementary medicine?
Complementary Medicine refers to any medical treatment that works in conjunction with mainstream medicine. This covers treatments like acupuncture, aromatherapy and chiropractic care, homeopathy or hypnosis as well massage therapy, naturopathy, reflexology and traditional Chinese medicine.
Complementary medicine is not meant to be used in place of conventional medicine, but instead as a complement. These complementary medicines are also known as “alternative”, “integrative”, or “integrative” medicine. They combine Western scientific methods and other proven therapies to heal people.
What is Alternative Medicine?
It’s a method of healing that focuses more on prevention than treatment. It encourages people become educated consumers who are actively involved in improving their overall health and well-being.
Alternative medicine refers to any system of diagnosis and treatment that does not employ allopathic (conventional) medical practices.
Why is holistic healing better?
Holistic health care focuses on treating the whole person rather than on individual symptoms. This involves looking at the person’s feelings, food, lifestyle, stress levels, etc.
Holistic medicine addresses all aspects of the patient’s life, and treats them as a whole. While it sounds simple, it can be very challenging to implement in practice because doctors often focus on the patient’s physical health.
What is the difference between alternative medicine, complementary medicine and other medicine?
Alternative medicine refers specifically to any treatments that aren’t recommended by mainstream medical professionals but have proven to be effective for certain conditions. You can find examples of acupuncture as homeopathy, aromatherapy or reflexology, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, and even naturopathy. Complementary medicines are therapies that can be used alongside traditional medicine. These include nutritional supplements like vitamins, minerals or herbs, amino acid, enzymes or probiotics.
While both forms of medicine are commonly used, many conventional doctors do not recommend them due to insufficient evidence or safety concerns.
There is no consensus among healthcare providers about the best approach to integrating CAM within patient care.
Many CAM practices are based on theories developed over thousands of years. These therapies have had some clinical success over the past 20-years.
A number of studies suggest that acupuncture may be able to relieve pain. The preliminary data suggests that acupuncture may decrease nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy. Some studies have shown that acupuncture may be beneficial for irritable bowel syndrome (FBS), fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple Sclerosis, migraines, tension headaches as well as anxiety and depression.
Some CAM treatments may also have therapeutic potential for diseases such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes and asthma, heart disease, heart disease, hypertension or Alzheimer’s disease.
Although there is still much to learn about the effectiveness and safety of CAM, experts are unanimous in their belief that it can be used to treat various conditions.
People are increasingly turning to CAM practitioners to find relief from common ailments.
Despite the popularity of alternative and complementary medicine, many people are still unsure what they mean.
Statistics
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING, TENSION-TYPEHEADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed. The Effect of Foot reflexology on Hospital Anxiety, Depression and Suffering in Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Test – PubMed
doi.org
webmd.com
nccih.nih.gov
How To
What are the Shortcomings and Advances in Holistic Medicine?
Holistic medicine is a medical practice that emphasizes the importance of mind, body, spirit, environment, and social factors in the healing process. It was developed during the late 19th century by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), who published his first book, The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure, in 1924. He used simple techniques such as meditation, visualization, and hypnosis. This therapy helped patients suffering from stress, anxiety and depression as well as pain, insomnia, and other ailments. This type of therapy also helps patients to cope with their problems, and improve their quality-of-life.
While holistic therapies are still being used today, there is not enough evidence to support their effectiveness. However, studies show these treatments can help to relieve chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, arthritis and other ailments.
Advances and shortcomings of holistic medicine are:
- There is insufficient scientific evidence. A small number of well-designed randomized controlled trials, (RCTs), evaluate the health benefits of holistic treatments. Positive results are most common in observational studies.
- Alternative medicine is less expensive than conventional medicine. Alternative medicines may be more affordable than traditional medicines, especially if the patient eats a healthy diet.
- Patients do NOT feel pressured or compelled to follow prescribed protocols.
- Many doctors recommend complementary therapies without prescribing them.
- Many holistic treatments can be combined with traditional medicine. For example, acupuncture may be combined with medication or surgery.
- People believe alternative treatments are better than traditional medicine.
- Alternative drugs are considered more natural and less harmful than traditional drugs.
- Many patients seek out complementary therapies to help them adapt their lifestyles. They not only want to live a healthy life but also want to be happy.
- Holistic treatments are more beneficial for patients.
- Older adults are increasingly turning to holistic treatments.
- Complementary treatments require more research.
- Research shows that people are more inclined to try other treatments than going to the doctor.
- Doctors need to be able to see that not all patients are candidates for alternative treatments.
- Holistic treatments must be an integral part of culture and education.
- Holistic treatments might not be for everyone.
- To help patients make informed decisions about treatment options, it is essential that we learn how to do so.
- Holistic treatments aren’t only for hippies.
- Holistic treatments cannot cure certain diseases.
- Holistic treatments are sometimes dangerous.
- For certain conditions, holistic therapies are beneficial.
- Holistic treatments can be very effective.
- Holistic therapies are based upon ancient wisdom.
- Holistic therapies are simple to learn.
- Holistic treatments are difficult to learn.
- Holistic treatments are hard to learn.
- Holistic treatments can be too costly.
- Holistic treatments can be very costly.
- Holistic treatment is less costly than conventional medicine.
- Holistic treatments tend to be more expensive that conventional medicine.
****
Holistic Medicine–A Brief History
Holistic medicine is a method of healing that treats the whole person, not just the symptoms. It addresses all aspects, including the physical, emotional and mental, as well as cultural, social, occupational, environmental, and cultural factors. It is a way to prevent illness through diet, exercise or stress management.
Bastyr University, Seattle was the first school to offer holistic medicine. It was founded in 1972. Holistic medicine was born after Dr. Andrew Weil published “Spontaneous Healing” 1996. Dr. David Williams, and Dr. Michael Murray founded the American Holistic Medical Association in 1997. There are hundreds of holistic medicine schools all over the world, including Bastyr University in Columbia, Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons and Maharishi Ayurveda Institute.
The World Health Organization named holistic medicine as one of five key trends in healthcare in 2013. This trend integrates conventional care with complementary therapies like homeopathy, acupuncture or herbalism, massage, therapy, reiki, yoga and meditation. This integration seeks to provide safe, efficient, patient-centered care, while minimizing side effects.
Holistic medicine works as a result of an interconnected mind-body-spirit. An imbalance in any of these components can lead to illness. Let’s take, for instance:
Anxiety and stress can make you anxious, causing you to feel tense or out of balance. Your body reacts by making cortisol. This hormone increases inflammation throughout your body. You feel weak, tired, and sick as a result.
Anxiety and negative emotions can lead to anxiety, fear, grief, sadness, and other unpleasant feelings. These feelings can lead to stress in the brain. If you don’t treat this stress, your body can produce adrenaline (and cortisol) if it isn’t addressed. Adrenaline stimulates your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. Cortisol has a negative impact on your immune system and digestive tract. Both hormones can cause fatigue and muscle tension, headaches as well as dizziness.
If your spirit is low, it can cause you to lose faith in yourself and your ability to see the good in others. A lack of self-esteem and confidence can also lead to low self-esteem. This can lead you to poor eating habits and unhealthy relationships. It can also cause low energy. A healthy spirit makes you happy, joyful, peaceful and optimistic.
The difference between alternative medicine and allopathic medicine
Allopathic medicine is based upon the scientific method. Doctors use xrays to diagnose patients. If needed, they may prescribe medication or perform surgery. Allopathic doctors believe they are able to diagnose and treat illness. Alternative medicine involves herbs, vitamins minerals, diet, exercise and spiritual healing. Alternative medicine does not have a defined definition. It is sometimes called natural medicine, integrative medical, or complementary medicine. Other names include traditional medicine and naturopathic medicines.
