Bitter almonds: description, properties, benefits and harms

It is considered that almonds are a nut. But this is not so, it refers to the stone fruit. And the actual fruit itself is an ordinary drupe. Nuts almonds are valued for the nutritious core that is in it.

In general, two kinds of almonds are known - bitter and sweet. If everything is known about the former, the second one always remains in the shadows. So the conversation will go about bitter almonds.

A bit of history

Ancient Egypt knew about the healing properties of almonds. In addition, the Egyptians revered it as a symbol of the spring revival of all nature. In the Persian state, almonds were considered the food of exceptionally rich people and served as a delicacy. And in the Bible it is a sign of approval of the actions and actions of Aaron.

The legendary Silk Road helped almonds reach the Mediterranean coast. And in the 18th century, thanks to the Franciscans, an exotic product came to the United States. At this time, California is the main supplier of quality almonds.

Modernity

During the Great Patriotic War, this plant became the embodiment of perseverance. On the Malakhov mound, where there was not even a meter of unexploded land, almonds survived. The tree, the only one that remained intact, was riddled with bullets and fragments, with broken branches and barely kept on the vine. And yet survived. For many decades in a row, every spring, it blossoms luxuriantly, giving a generous harvest.

Currently, almonds have chosen the mountains of Tien Shan, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, northern Iran. In the Crimea, mainly sweet varieties of walnut are grown. In Slovakia, it is planted mixed with grapes. Benefit from this neighborhood, and grapes, and almonds. The tree protects the vine from the winds and the hot sun.

Where applicable

Bitter almond varieties have found wide application in perfumery. From the oil produce various fragrances for toilet water and perfume. It is made of quality toilet soap, therapeutic creams.

Bitter almonds are a part of expensive alcohol. In production there is not only a kernel, but also a shell. It aromatizes and improves the taste of liqueurs. For example, in the liqueur "Amaretto" add almonds, which gives this drink an exquisite and rich taste.

In medicine, the infusion of bitter almonds is known as a sedative (soothing) remedy. Fat oil is used for injections, it dissolves camphor well. It is considered an easy laxative. Scientists recommend it for patients with radiation sickness.

In the confectionery industry, the kernel of the nut is used as an aromatizer in cakes, cakes, various desserts, cupcakes. The smell of bitter almonds can not be confused with any other aroma. It is so fragrant, delicate and tasty!

Nut composition

The main difference between bitter almonds and sweet is in the nut. Bitter kernel is rich in glycoside, which, in turn, quickly decomposes into sugars, benzaldehydes and into hydrogen cyanide or hydrocyanic acid. It is a strong poisonous substance, leading to death.

The lethal dose for a child is 10 pieces, for an adult - 50 pieces. That's why without the preliminary heat treatment should not eat nut kernels.

What is the use of almonds for women?

But despite the fact that almonds are harmful in large quantities, do not be biased towards him. It has many useful qualities:

• Almond milk smoothes wrinkles on the face, making it smooth and elastic.
• Select high-quality fat (almond oil) is used for massage.
• Infusion of cores of bitter almonds effectively removes freckles, pigmented spots.
• Nut kernel contains a lot of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins B, E and PP.
• Contains potassium, sodium, iron, magnesium.
• Bitter almonds are an excellent preventive against cancer.
• Raw nuts improve the functioning of the digestive tract and strengthen the circulatory system.
• Almond relieves the condition with migraine, tachycardia, struggles with insomnia.
• Almonds in combination with wine will relieve the scalp from dandruff.
• Crushed walnut heals cough, asthmatic attacks, pleurisy.

In addition, the bitter almond extract copes with stretch marks and cellulite. Several kernels of nut per day will make hair thick, eyelashes - fluffy, teeth and nails - strong. Bitter almonds will prolong and preserve beauty and youth for many years.

Women who use several almond kernels during menopause easily and painlessly endure this unpleasant condition.

The oil of bitter almonds gently and well removes makeup, and during a massage session makes the skin of the body velvety and smooth.

Contraindications

Like all that nature gives us, bitter almonds have a ban on use.

• It is strictly forbidden to eat a large number of nut kernels. 2-3 pieces a day is enough to cover the daily rate.
• Almonds are also a strong allergen. People who suffer from allergic reactions should not eat it.
• Almonds are a high-calorie product. Excessive consumption can lead to the appearance of extra pounds.
• It is forbidden to eat unripe nuts, this leads to severe food poisoning.
• Pregnant women should be very cautious about bitter almonds.
• Particular care must be taken to monitor the children, a dose of more than 10 is lethal.

But despite the list of contraindications, the benefits of almonds for a woman are obvious. Therefore, to use the funds from it and there are several cores per day is simply necessary.

It is impossible not to mention the flowering of almonds. It is surprisingly touching and clean. Pink, white and rich pink flowers blossom in early spring. Buds blossom before the appearance of leaves. Therefore, spring frosts often destroy the entire ovary in the trees.

Blooming of almonds - the phenomenon is amazing and lasts several weeks. Trees are strewn with delicate pink flowers, which are attracted by a spicy scent of bees hungry after hibernation. A little more, and the petals will burst into a pink snowstorm, lying under your feet with a gentle silk tablecloth.

This plant is very unpretentious, grows anywhere. The main thing is to have a lot of light and heat. The almond tree is a long-liver. 130-150 years - this is the period of his life. And this is not the limit.