Almonds are good for health but eating them in a large amount can create problems for you!
Almonds are often classified as a source of healthy nutrients and energy. For kids, young and even for older people almonds are a part of munchies. We all know that almonds are a part of healthy diet and are considered healthy for heart as they are rich in protein, fiber, monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, magnesium, copper, manganese, calcium, and riboflavin and phosphorous. That is the reason why it is an integral part of breakfast in many Indian households.
Almonds are also available as flour, butter, oil and almond milk! There are many ways to consume it. But there’s a flip side of it too, since they have such a high nutritional content, overeating almonds can have a negative impact on your health.
Here are few problems that you might face if you consume large amount of almonds.
Side Effects of Almonds:-
Gastrointestinal Problems: – As we all know that almonds are high in fiber and it’s just an ounce will provide about 3-4 grams of fiber. Consuming a lot of almonds can lead to constipation and bloating. If your body is not used to processing the large amount of fiber, it can lead to stomach upset. If you know that your digestive system is weak and are prone to digestive disorders, you should control your almond intake.
Drug Interactions: – Almonds are also rich in manganese, a mineral which helps our body metabolism, nerve function, regulate blood sugar, and produce connective tissue and calcium absorption. But it might lead to drug interactions. High amount of manganese in the body interacts with laxatives, antibiotics and certain blood pressure medications. You only need 1.3 to 2.3 mg of manganese in your daily diet.
Overdose of Vitamin E: – We require about 15mg of Vitamin E every day. By consuming large quantities of almonds, it’s possible to reach above 1000mg of the required intake. The side effects of excess Vitamin E are diarrhea, flatulence, blurred vision, headaches and dizziness, and lethargy.
Weight Gain: – One of the major almond nuts side effects is weight gain. Since almonds contain 14g of fat and 163 calories per ounce, it can increase your weight. If you are not burning away sufficient amount of calories, you will definitely pile on the pounds as your body will store the excess calories as fat. So incorporate almonds in your daily diet as part of a meal plan. If you are maintaining your weight, make sure the almonds are part of your 2000 calorie intake. If you are trying to lose weight, then let the almonds be within the 1200-1500 calorie intake.
Increases Toxic Level In The Body: – This is one of the major side effects of eating almonds in excessive amounts. Bitter almonds are known to contain hydrocyanic acid, which leads to symptoms such as slowing of the nervous system, breathing problem that can also be fatal.
Allergic Reactions:- This is a rare side effect, but some people have shown allergic reactions to almonds. The symptoms will be rashes, difficulty in breathing etc.
Presence of Bacteria:- This side effect is not specific to almonds, but being a part of the nut family, almonds are prone to bacterial growth. Depending on where they are grown, almonds might be subjected to harmful bacterial growth, which can lead to health problems if consumed without proper cleaning. In fact, in many countries selling raw almonds is illegal.
So now that you know the almonds side effects make informed decisions, and stay healthy and safe. There is no doubt about the fact that almonds are good for our health, but moderation is the key. Talk to your nutritionist and decide on how many almonds a day is good for you.
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