FollowFeb 16th is Almond Day. Did you know that almonds were cultivated almost since the beginning of time? Almonds are one of those good for you nuts because of the amount of vitamin E that they contain. Another important health benefit that one obtains from eating this nut is their antioxidant properties.
Almonds are known for their cholesterol lowing properties. They lower the risk of heart disease and blood sugar levels. Other nutritional benefits from these type of nuts is that they contain iron, copper, and riboflavin as well as extremely high levels of potassium and magnesium as well as some other nutrients.
They are grown in areas with warm climates such as areas all around the Mediterranean Sea and where originally brought to North America by the Spanish missionaries. However, the original orchards and trees were left abandoned when the missionaries closed. As a result, the orchards suffered and the trees eventually died.
Many years later, cultivation of this nut was again introduced in the US when Europeans brought them over. An attempt to grow them along the Eastern seaboard to place in the 19th century. However, they quickly realized that the weather conditions of this area was not suitable for growing. As a result, their cultivation suddenly shifted to the warm, sunny climate of California. This species of trees flourished in these conditions and that is one of the reasons why California continues to cultivate almonds to this very day.
This type of nut can be eaten with the skins on or off. They can be eaten as is or added to foods before or after cooking. These nuts can be bought whole, sliced, chopped, or even ground. Adding them to your food in their natural state or in the powder (ground) form provides the body with energy and healthy nutrients.
Remember to do your body good on Almond Day or any other time of the year by eating some almonds whenever you can!
