Mandel
Scientific Name: Almond
Other Names: Almond Oil, Badam, Prunus amygdalus dulcis, Sweet Almond
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Uses
Note: Bitter almonds are different from the "sweet" almonds sold in the United States. Generally, bitter almonds should not be taken by mouth.
For centuries, sweet almonds have been used as food by humans, animals, and birds. They contain protein, fiber, unsaturated fat, and minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Fats are generally classified as saturated or unsaturated according to their chemical structures. Usually solid at room temperature, saturated fats mainly are derived from animal sources. Saturated fats are more likely to form deposits in blood vessels, thereby increasing the chance of having high cholesterol, heart disease, and other conditions. Liquid plant oils such as sweet almond oil, are mostly unsaturated. They are less likely to accumulate in blood vessels. Although they contain unsaturated fats, most edible nuts, including sweet almonds, have a high fat content--making them quite high in calories, as well. In general, nuts have not been recommended for general consumption as a regular part of the diet.
However, several human and animal studies that were conducted in the last few years have found that replacing animal fat in the diet with either sweet almonds or sweet almond oil produced reductions in three "bad" cholesterol levels--total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and triglycerides. In addition, levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL), the "good" cholesterol remained relatively constant. Partly due to these results, in 2003, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed packages of sweet almonds and other nuts to begin carrying a modified health claim:
"Scientific evidence suggests but does not prove that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, such as almonds, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease."
Sweet almond oil is used topically to moisturize dry skin, soothe chapped lips, and relieve itching due to dryness. Because sweet almond oil is not greasy, it is absorbed quickly. An especially mild oil, it generally does not irritate skin and it does not appear to cause sensitization that may lead to allergic reactions. Occasionally, sweet almond oil is taken by mouth for a mild laxative effect.
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