posted by Robin

Almonds are technically seeds and not nuts, as is commonly thought, of the almond tree, a beautiful medium sized pink and white flowering tree, which is related to the apricot, peach and cherry trees.

About – They are grown throughout the Mediterranean and surrounding countries. In America, they are grown primarily in California, where law states that all almonds sold from there commercially be pasteurized. Therefore, most almonds from California are not raw.  Almonds come in two varieties: sweet and bitter. Sweet is the variety that is eaten and bitter is commonly used to make almond oil.

Nutrition – Almonds are abundant in antioxidants minerals and vitamins, highest in vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, copper, riboflavin. They are also abundant in protein, fiber, and other antioxidants. Ninety percent of the fat in almonds is unsaturated and they are known to lower blood cholesterol levels and regulate blood pressure. Almonds are great for the brain, as well as the heart, and also beneficial for the skin and help to prevent osteoporosis. Their healthy fiber improves movement through the body and they are beneficial in reducing the rise in sugar and insulin levels which offers protection from diabetes.