This is part 3 of a 3 part series on the wonders of the almond and it’s holistic benefits. Part 1 of this series focused on the heart and cardiovascular benefits of the almond. Part two examined the disease fighting powers of almonds and the cancer cure claimed from one variety of almond.
In this final part of the series I would like to draw your attention to the amazing immune boosting powers of this tiny treat.
The immune system is a well designed network of structures that help protect against disease – that is if it’s fed properly. A properly functioning immune system is able to detect within the variety of incoming pathogens the harmful viruses or parasitic worms from the healthy organisms.
When a pathogen invades the body, white blood cells will attack the virus, prompting B and killer T cells to engulf and kill. This process will create new cells in the body designed to combat this specific pathogen if it were to attack again in the future.
So how can almonds help in the fight against harmful pathogens?
The key component is manganese. In conjunction with vitamin E, manganese supports a strong and efficient immune system. A component of super oxide dismutase enzyme, manganese is a naturally occurring mineral and powerful antioxidant that seeks out free radicals to neutralize their abuse on healthy cells.
Free radicals are capable of irreparable damage to healthy cells and can promote carcinogens.
Manganese regulates the body’s metabolism and helps balance cholesterol, amino acids and carbohydrates. It also helps the body fully absorb essential vitamins like B and E which support healthy enzymes in bones and muscle tissue.
Riboflavin in almonds also plays a role in strengthening the immune system by attaching itself to protein enzymes called flavoproteins and encouraging oxygen based energy production.
Feel a cold coming on? Reach for the almonds!
Research has discovered the skin of almonds as particularly potent in boosting the body’s immunity to common viruses like the cold or flu. Even when up against the Herpes Simplex Virus 2, which causes cold sores and is a notoriously difficult virus to treat, almond skins proved effective in minimizing symptoms.
Your instinct when first feeling the symptoms of a looming cold may be to reach for an orange but new study proves almonds could be just as effective in the fight to feel good.
It is thought that compounds called polyphenols in almonds increase white blood cell sensitivity, so at the first sign of trouble, these fighter T cells are able to combat harmful viral cells.
This being the last of the 3 part series on the holistic wonders of almonds, it is important to note that adopting almonds into a diet that is complex and balanced will provide the best results. The nutritional elements in almonds are best fortified in combination with a variety of healthy and organic foods, so what’s on your dinner menu?
Sources:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/8098656/Eating-almonds-can-help-to-fight-off-viruses.html
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=20
