Interesting Facts About Almonds “Ebelebo”

Almond fruits are drupe gotten from almond trees. The almond tree (Prunus amygdalus) is a very special tree whose domestication started in Iran and now endemic in most Asian countries such as Afghanistan.

 There are other breeds of almond such as Terminalia catappa popularly known as Indian almond and Ebelebo fruit in Nigeria which is mostly cultivated in Indian and other parts of the world.

The almond fruit is often referred to as a nut. It is not a true nut rather, it is an edible seed. It is oval with a bitter and sweet taste. Its color showed various shades of brown. 

Although the almond fruit is popularly referred to as sweet almond, there are breeds of it that are bitter. 

This bitter almond is believed to have existed as a result of the crossbreed and grafting of sweet almond with wild almond.

The bitter almond fruit contains a poisonous substance which is referred to as Cyanide. It is derived from the hydrolysis of the amygdalin present in the fruit.

This cyanide is present in most fruits including apple. It helps to protect the fruit from insects, therefore, keeping the fruit fresh and shiny. Nevertheless, when ingested raw, it could lead to food poisoning. 

To remove this poisonous cyanide; the fruit can be roasted or soaked in water for about 8hours. Soaking the fruit helps to soften the shell covering the seed and also allow the cyanide to diffuse out of the fruit into the water.

Almonds are very rich in fiber, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fat. They can be eaten raw or cooked. They are sometimes served as a dessert in a meal.

They are sliced, slivered, flaked, and even grounded to flour. In either form, they are highly nutritious and can be used to make butter and oil.

Speaking of fats; almonds are a good source of unsaturated fats which is very healthy for the heart.

It reduces the incidence of bad cholesterol and help reduce cardiovascular diseases.

Read Also; The Health Benefits of African Pear “corn butter”

It is a sure solution to cholesterol issues as well as most nuts.

Eating almond daily helps prevent one from the risk of cancer. It is one of the few fruits containing antioxidants such as vitamin E which stops oxidative processes that are detrimental to cells and tissues.

Almond is believed to help control blood sugar levels as it is low in carbohydrates and high in protein and fiber. The presence of fiber in the fruit gives the feeling of being full for a long time. 

This helps to lose weight. How? When one is full, eating snack become reduced and weight loss begins to set on. Right? That’s how. It also aids in digestion.

Almond contains a rich source of calcium, magnesium, and copper among other minerals. These minerals are very vital for bone health as well as teeth. 

With the availability of these minerals, mineralization of the bones is increased thus preventing various disease conditions such as Rickets, Osteoporosis, and Osteomalacia. These minerals are also needed by the muscles for proper functioning.

It is also paramount to note that almonds are rich in vitamin K which helps in improving blood clotting factors. This helps in times of injury and severe bleeding disorder thereby keeping blood flow constant.

 Zinc is an essential mineral needed for the keratinization and improvements of the skin. This is also present in almond fruits.

When you decide to buy fruits and nuts; do consider almond fruit as its rich taste and health benefits are overwhelming. You will be glad you did! 

Interesting Facts About Almonds “Ebelebo”

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Raphael Okhueleigbe

Raphael Osas Okhueleigbe is a Blogger, Content creator, Agricultural Economist, Resource manager, and the founder of greener health.

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