GOWRI MANICKAVASAGAM
Ayurveda or ‘The Science of Life’ has been part of the Indian culture for over 5,000 years and first originated from the ancient Vedic culture. Ayurveda pays great attention to living a balanced life, with the right principles, diet and actions.
Ayurveda unlike western allopathic medicine does not focus on the disease but maintains that the right flow of energy through a person’s body will help to strengthen their defence system. Ayurveda is a more natural form of treatment which seeks to treat and integrate body, mind, and spirit using a comprehensive holistic approach. This form of medicine is deeply rooted in our culture, as is the tradition of almond consumption.
According to Ayurveda here are some benefits of almonds and why you should be consuming them on a daily basis:
First and foremost almonds are considered to be sattvic foods. Almonds provide the necessary energy to the body without taxing it. Ayurveda claims that almonds are the nuts which help to produce ojas, the finest by-product of digestion. Eating almonds without the skin helps to remove any pitta-aggravating qualities. Pitta is the energy of digestion and metabolism. It manages the biochemical processes of everything that enters the body. Almonds are among the world’s best sources of vitamin E and antioxidants.
Almonds effectively help in weight loss. The dietary fibre and healthy fats present in almonds promote a healthy weight. The fat and calories contained in almonds prolong the feeling of satisfaction after a meal and regulate your blood sugar which prevents diabetes. Both protein and fibre increase the feeling of fullness. This, in turn, reduces calories and food cravings. Almonds promote a healthy metabolism and help to decrease obesity.
Almonds also contain vital nutrients that help improve neurological activity. They are also recommended in growing children’s diets for intellectual development. According to Ayurveda almonds are believed to be rich in purity (prana) and thus promote positive thoughts and happiness. This makes the brain peaceful and healthy. Nuts like almonds are believed to cleanse the body and lead to the all-round development of the physical and mental state of a person. These nuts promote longevity, virtue and strength.
Magnesium and vitamin-D are found abundantly in almonds. These nutrients help to promote the growth of new hair. Various other vitamins like B6 and B2 help in strengthening hair follicles. Hair fall occurs due to weak hair follicles, pollution and dandruff. Therefore, almonds help to prevent loss of hair. The fatty acids also help to control the secretion of oil on the skin which helps clear acne, blackheads and whiteheads.
Lastly, almonds help in lowering cholesterol levels. They also improve memory and prevent diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia. They are useful in the treatment of chronic illnesses such as chronic constipation and chronic cough. Almonds are also believed to stimulate the nervous system while nourishing all the tissues and five sense organs. It also improves muscle strength and bulk of the body.
