How Almonds Boost Your Brain Strength?

All our childhood has been spent listening to the fact that almonds boost brain functioning, it helps improve memory and so on. But how does this happen? What is the science behind this little nut’s brain boosting power?

Almond is considered as a nutritional powerhouse and is loaded with following vital nutrients:

Zinc: Zinc is an antioxidant that fight against the production of free radicals in your blood. These free radicals need to be destroyed as they are responsible for the destruction of brain cells.

Vitamin E & Vitamin B6: Vitamin E slows down the ageing of brain cells that effect memory while vitamin B6 promotes brain health.

Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids: Almonds are loaded with healthy fats (omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids) that help increase intellectual levels.

Importance of Almonds in Improving your Memory

A connection between almonds and cognitive functioning of brain has been reported in a study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Ageing.

Moreover, a research published in the journal of Brain Research Bulletin, shows that the level of neurotransmitter “acetylcholine” was increased after continuous administration of almonds. As a result, this elevated level of acetylcholine enhanced memory function in healthy rats. Thus, it can be said that the intake of almonds continuously releases acetylcholine, which ultimately add to the proper and increased working of brain.

Optimum Number of Almonds Per Day

Shilpa Arora (Health Practitioner and Certified Macrobiotic Health Coach) says that, “Almonds elevate the levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter in the brain that helps enhance memory and help fight conditions like Alzheimer's disease. You don't need a lot of almonds to help improve memory; about 8 to 10 almonds soaked in water overnight and consumed in the day works effectively. We soak almonds for the nutrients to be easily absorbed by the body."

Interesting Facts about Almonds

Apart from its relation to brain and memory, some of the interesting facts of almonds includes:

• Intake of around 25 almonds (one ounce) can make up to 12% of your necessary daily proteins portion.
• Almonds are known as “brain food” for kids in India.
• Like broccoli and green tea, almonds also have flavonoid present in them. Thus, can be a source of nourishment for your skin.
• In order to extract 1 pint of almond oil you’ll need 1000 pounds of almonds.
• As, almonds belong to rose family they are sometimes referred as “the queen of the rose family”.
• Almonds can be refrigerated for up to 2 years and this longer shelf life is due to the presence of high amount of Vitamin E in them. 

If you are looking for a good healthy snack, there is nothing better than almonds!