Almonds And Your Skin
The Latest Health Extracts From The World Of Research Via The Web
Like its cousins, the peach, cherry and apricot trees, the almond tree bears fruits with stone-like seeds (or pits) within. Skin care products that contain almonds are especially effective for treating dry and sensitive skin. In addition to being an excellent source of protein, calcium, copper, phosphorus, iron, vitamin B1, and other B vitamins as well as niacin, almonds have a high fat content that replenishes the skin?s natural oils. Ground almonds are a great way to exfoliate the top layer of the skin and restore it to its natural beauty. 38
What are the benefits of almonds? In addition to being an excellent source of protein, calcium, copper, phosphorus, iron, vitamin B1, niacin and other B vitamins, they have a high fat content that replenishes the skin’s natural oils. Like olive oil, the fat is "good fat" - unsaturated oils very high in linolenic acid that is especially beneficial for dry skin care. In addition to drinking almond milk for overall health, almonds can be included in many homemade skin care products but they are most useful as cleansers. Try the following recipes. 24
The study concluded that almond skin extract possesses antioxidant activity in vitro. Almond skin extract is bioavailable and acts synergistically with ascorbic acid and vitamin E to prevent LDL oxidation. More research is needed to investigate the relationship between flavanoids and natural vitamine E of almonds and their effect on cardiovascular disease. 12
For a deeper cleaning you need to substitute marigold for the calendula and add grape seed and lemon oils. Marigold is a good cleanser, astringent and toner and also has healing properties. Grape seed oil is a very potent antioxidant - great for dry skin care and smoothing out little lines and wrinkles. Lemon tones and lightens the skin and restores the natural pH. Heat about 2 tablespoons of grape seed oil then whisk in 3 tablespoons of marigold infusion. Add about five ounces of almond milk and 5 drops of lemon then allow to cool. Used morning and night, this solution will last for a good week - just shake it before each use. 24
After cleansing, always apply a shielding lotion. If you’re taking the time to make your own dry skin care products, you’ll want to do everything you can to make the benefits last as long as possible. A good shielding lotion locks in the skin’s natural moisture and forms a protective layer on the surface of the skin to keep out the harsh chemicals and pollutants in the environment. Dry skin care using the combination of cleansing with almond oil products and protecting with the shielding lotion will give you the supple, healthy skin you’ve always wanted. 24
Thus, almond, as such and specially its skin and shell cover serve as good sources of natural antioxidants. This indicates the neutraceutical potential of almond and its components in different food and specialty applications. 11
Bitter almonds are illegal in the United States. They have a stronger flavor than the sweet almonds but also contain prussic acid, which is toxic when raw. The acid’s toxicity is destroyed when the almonds are processed. Bitter almonds are mainly used in extracts and flavorings. They are prized in Europe and sometimes a little is added to almond meal and marzipan to intensify the almond flavor. 18
Exfoliation Gone Nutty � The granular texture of finely ground almonds or almond flour can be used as a natural, gentle way to exfoliate, rubbing away dead skin cells and freshening the complexion. Try making a homemade exfoliating scrub by combining 1 tablespoon almond flour or meal, 1 tablespoon honey and 1 teaspoon lemon juice, stirring into a paste. Rub gently on the face and rinse. Exfoliation is ideal just one to two times per week; otherwise, it may lead to irritation or flaky skin. Find almond flour in some supermarkets, or make it by processing blanched whole or slivered almonds in small batches in a clean coffee grinder or blender, just until finely ground. 22
Almonds are used to make almond paste and marzipan. Almond paste is a combination of equal parts ground blanched almonds and sugar, mixed with glucose, corn syrup or egg whites. It is pliable with a sweet almond flavor and grainy texture. Almond paste is used in pastry making and confectionery to cover cakes and pastries, as well as forming into different shapes and figures. 18
Nourishing and Protecting � Some research indicates that skincare products containing vitamin E � a key antioxidant in almonds � may help fight off the signs of aging by helping protect your skin against the damage caused by ultraviolet rays. And less sun damage can lead to a younger-looking appearance. 22
In fact, almonds are related to the peach. There are at least five almond varieties, but the nonpareil almonds are the most popular. Every alternate year, the crop is small in total nuts grown. This scarcer crop yields huge nuts. The following year, the trees are laden with almonds, but each nut is smaller. 9
Potassium, an important electrolyte involved in nerve transmission and the contraction of all muscles including the heart, is another mineral that is essential for maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function. Almonds promote your cardiovascular health by providing 257 mg of potassium and only 0.3 mg of sodium, making almonds an especially good choice to in protecting against high blood pressure and atherosclerosis. 4
Although you may not typically think about eating a handful of almonds when you want to get your antioxidants for the day, research is showing you should. A recent analysis conducted at Tufts University showed that a handful of almonds contain levels of flavonoid antioxidants on par with broccoli and green tea. 22
In addition, almonds are an excellent source of the skin-loving antioxidant vitamin E, providing 35 percent of the Daily Value (DV). In a review of antioxidants found in skin tissue, alpha tocopherol vitamin E � one of the vitamin�s many forms, and the form found in almonds � was discovered as the major antioxidant in human epidermal tissue. 22
Researchers fed 15 healthy subjects 5 meals providing a comparable amount of carbohydrate, fat and protein: 3 test meals (almonds and bread, parboiled rice, and instant mashed potatoes) and 2 bread control meals. Blood samples, taken before each meal and 4 hours afterwards, showed levels of protective antioxidants increased after the almond meal, but decreased after the other meals. And not only did the almond meal increase antioxidant levels, but unlike the other foods, almonds also lowered the rise in blood sugar and insulin seen after eating. 4
References
The Panacea offers these health-extracts to help people investigate health-related subjects in greater depth using the references given in each paragraph. Kindly note that these are current extracts from the web, meant for research, and that these are not meant to be medical advise. For all your health-related needs you must consult trained and licensed personnel.
Important posts in Nuts and Pulses
comments
Leave a Reply