November 17, 2005
The smell of bitter almonds (containing hydrogen cyanide, a poisonous compound) filling the air in an Agatha Christie plot notwithstanding, anyone would be nuts not to have known this all along: almonds are great for health. In fact, asked to name some foods that pack a big nutritional wallop into a little space, most people would probably have almonds heading their list. But now comes news that an almond-rich diet could also keep brain cells younger, longer. Researchers have just published a study that shows how mice fed on almond-rich meals do remarkably better at memory tests than those chomping on non-nutty meals.
This complements earlier research that showed how eating almonds lowered cholesterol levels considerably to reduce the risk of heart disease. This reassured people trying to control their diets in the belief that it was wiser to keep off the almond for its high calorie content.
For although almonds, like other nuts, have a high fat content, their fats are mostly monounsaturated — the kind found in avocados and olive oil. This not only reduces bad cholesterol and improves the bad/good cholesterol ratio, but also converts other blood fats in the body normally resistant to change. Talk of a food that keeps the heart healthy and keeps the brain operating smoothly.
The latest findings, however, suggest a bigger role for antioxidants, which help brain cells increase their longevity. With this, the almond augments its formidable reputation as a powerhouse of nutrition, even if it puts it all in a nutshell.
Source: hindustantimes.com
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