Almonds

Almonds

The almond is a species of tree native to Iran and surrounding countries, including the Levant. The almond is also the name of the edible and widely cultivated seed of this tree. Almonds are rich in valuable nutrients for your body, like magnesium, vitamin E, and dietary fiber. A single serving of almonds makes for a nutritious and filling snack. Almonds have calcium and phosphorus, which improve bone health and can protect you from fractures.

Kingdom: Plantae

Family: Rosaceae

Order: Rosales

Genus: Prunus

Category: Nuts

Description

Two types of almonds can be distinguished, those with soft shell, mainly produced in California, and those with hard shell, like the Spanish varieties Marcona and Desmayo or many of the produced in Portugal. Different types of almonds can be distinguished according to their taste and uses.

Eating a large quantity of almonds can trigger weight gain. The recommended serving of almonds is about 1 ounce, which is about 23 kernels, because these nuts are high in calories and fat —163 calories and 14 grams of fat per ounce.

To receive the maximum benefits from almonds, it is recommended to consume them in the morning. Consuming nuts along with your breakfast helps regulate blood sugar, keeps you satiated and boosts your metabolism.

What is Gurbandi almond? The lesser-known Gurbandi or ‘choti giri’ almonds trace their origin in Afghanistan. They are smaller in appearance, yet packed with nutrients, essential fats and antioxidants. Gurbandi badam has more natural oils than the California variety, and has a bittersweet flavour.