Origin: The mention of almonds in history dates back to the time of the Bible. It has been mentioned as nutritious food throughout history. Almonds are known as Prunus dulcis in scientific terms.
Almonds originated in Middle Asia and China. Native to the Mediterranean climate region of the Middle East, it traveled from Syria and Turkey to Pakistan, China, and India.
In the bygone era, this nut was brought to the shores of the Mediterranean (North Africa and southern Europe) and was transported across the world like California and the United States.
The Egyptian Pharaoh’s (title of the monarchs of ancient Egypt from the First Dynasty) were served with Almond bread. It is believed that explorers while voyaging on the “Silk Road” between Asia and Mediterranean snacked on Almonds. In the mid 1700s, Franciscan Padres brought from Spain to California an almond tree.
Hebrew literature, one of the primary forms of Jewish literature, dating back to 2,000 B.C. mentions almonds. The ancient civilizations from Turkey, Romania and the Baltic peninsula also have references to this nut. Almonds are mentioned as an object of value and a symbol of hope in the Bible numerous times.
In 1352 BC, King Tut, an Egyptian pharaoh of the 18th dynasty, carried almonds to his grave with the belief that it will be nourishing in his next journey.
King Tut took several handfuls of almonds to his grave in 1352 B.C., to nourish him on his journey into the afterlife. Persians and Arabs made milk of almond meal and water, which they valued both as a refreshing drink and as an ingredient in other foods.
In Ayurveda, almonds are known as 'Vatada' as it is good for pacifying 'vata' and 'pitta'. In Hindu mythology, almonds are offered to gods and goddesses. It is also eaten by people during the fast as it a sacred nut.
Scientifically: Almonds is pregnant with antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative damage, and prevent skin aging and other diseases. Almonds carry Vitamin E that can lower the chances of heart attacks, cancer, Alzheimer and other cardiovascular diseases.
Low in carbohydrates and high in fats, protein, and fibers along with Magnesium, almonds are really good for people with diabetes and another metabolic syndrome. Magnesium also aids in high blood pressure and stabilizes it. Almonds help in balancing cholesterol preventing heart diseases.
As per a study conducted by the Almond Board of California, almonds, when eaten as part of a healthy diet, may have beneficial effects on blood glucose and insulin responses.
Almonds come gift wrapped with the goodness of vitamins B and E, Omega -3 fatty acids, copper, magnesium, and high-quality protein, high levels of healthy unsaturated fatty acids, high levels of bioactive molecules like fiber, phytosterols, minerals, and antioxidants.
The rich percentage of antioxidants in Almonds guards the skin against the harmful damage caused by sun rays. It also slows the aging process.
Magnesium present in Almond is also good for hair growth and people often use almond oil to massage their scalp to get nourished hair.
Applying almond oil regularly on skin removes the effect of sun damage, stress, and aging. Throw away your under eye cream and move to almond oil. It miraculously cures dark circles and eye bags. If Psoriasis and Eczema have been giving you trouble, start using almond oil. It will address this problem and ensure your skin is sparkling.
If your skin is being described as Sagging skin, Baggy eyes, and Dullness. Then it is in need of the beneficial almond oil.
Subsite your chemical loaded and harmful anti-frizz serum with almond oil. It is the best natural leave on conditioner. When mixed with amla powder, almond oil treats dandruff. More so, it is what your hair needs for hair growth.
Usage: They are used as a base for many desserts in Greece, especially amygdalota. A soft drink known as soumada is made from almonds in various regions. It is also used as a snack after being dipped in salt. It is also used in the making of almond milk, teas, and coffee. It is also used in making of almond oil and almond syrup.
Almond oil is rich in nutrients and minerals and Indian women use it for face massage to get a glowing and radiant skin.
Below are some DIY Face Packs with almonds:
- Crush soaked Almonds into fine particles and mix it with raw milk. Apply on your face and neck, allow it to dry. Repeat this often to get rid of uneven skin tone.
- take a tablespoon of soaked ground almonds, mix them with a tablespoon of yogurt. Apply this mask on the face and let it dry for 15 minutes. Rinse later. This mask helps in sebum production and helps in getting rid of acne.
- take a tablespoon of soaked ground almonds and add a tablespoon of grated papaya to it. Mix well and apply this mixture generously to the face and body. Leave it on for 20 minutes. This remedy helps in removing tan and lightening of the skin.
- take a tablespoon of powdered almonds, one tablespoon of oatmeal and a tablespoon of milk. Mix all these ingredients together. Apply this mask to your face and body. Massage your skin gently in circular motions and keep it on for 15 minutes and then rinse. This mask helps in removing dead skin and gives a nourished, rejuvenated skin.
- To treat acne-prone skin, take almond and mix a pinch of cinnamon powder and honey to it. Leave it on the face and body for 10 minutes and then rinse.