Is it okay to have almonds daily...
By oindy54
@oindy54 (3445)
India
February 23, 2013 2:22pm CST
if someone has increased cholesterol levels at present?
If you know please let me know.
I am reading a lot of late about the beauty benefits of almonds and my mother wants to start right away with eating these soaked in water overnight to help with her hair growth and also for better skin, but before that we need to know if they will be okay for her since she has the problem of cholesterol levels increasing.
We get a wealth of information on the internet but only when we talk directly with those who have experience or knowledge about certain things, we can try home remedies without worries.
Right now we don't have an appointment with the doctor, so I thought it is better to ask the community as you guys are always so helpful and knowledgeable.
Hoping to read your responses.
Have a nice day! 
1 person likes this
2 responses
@owlwings (43915)
• Cambridge, England
23 Feb 13
This report (from 2002): http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Almonds-lower-cholesterol-despite-fat-content suggests that raw, unroasted, unsalted almonds (and other nuts) can actually reduce LDL, provided that they are substituted for other carbohydrates rather than added to the diet.
If the almonds are roasted, the heat changes the nature of the oils in the nut and they become things you should avoid. Of course, too much salt should be avoided anyway.
1 person likes this
@hotsummer (13835)
• Philippines
24 Feb 13
Can almonds be eaten raw. I have not tried raw ones. I don't know the one inside the chocolate bars if they raw kind of almond
@owlwings (43915)
• Cambridge, England
24 Feb 13
Almonds are usually sold raw unless they are roasted and salted (the packet will say so). Chocolate bars vary. I think that most, but not all, may use roasted almonds because roasting improves the flavour.
In their natural state they have brown skins, which are somewhat bitter but are perfectly edible. They can also be bought skinned, when they are white or ivory coloured, but it is extremely easy to skin them by pouring boiling water over them and leaving them to cool a little when they will literally slip out of their skins when rubbed or pressed between thumb and forefinger.
You can also buy ground almonds and slivered almonds (usually for baking) and almond milk, which is basically ground almonds soaked for a while and then the liquid strained off.
@oindy54 (3445)
• India
26 Feb 13
Hi,
Thanks a lot for such helpful info. Stocking up on almonds at home. And I also love their taste, foodie that I am! Walnuts are also another favorite. We have always been eating almonds with the skin on, that is, in their raw form. Will definitely avoid salted and roasted ones if I see them. Are they the ones that come in cakes that we buy from the shops? I have seen almonds in it but not sure if they are roasted and salted ones as they are embedded into the cakes.
@bostonphil (4459)
• United States
24 Feb 13
I have high cholesterol. I was sent to a nutritionist by my physician because I wanted to try to control my cholesterol through diet rather than medication. I was told that all nuts are very good in controlling bad cholesterol and increasing the good cholesterol. That would include almonds. So, almonds should be good for persons who are having problems with cholesterol.
1 person likes this
@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
24 Feb 13
I, too have high cholestrol...and after weeks of noting and reporting my daily diet, I went to a "Naturopath," whom confirmed that my diet DID NOT promote high cholesterol. I did not know, until that visit, that it can also be something that is inherited. As well as nuts, seeds, I have hugely increased my consumption of Garlic, raw and cooked (I grow my own), it is a process but my cholesterol is edging towards a normal level!
@oindy54 (3445)
• India
26 Feb 13
Hi bostonphil,
Talking to you after ages. Glad to know you are in good health. And thank you very much for sharing your input on this; really helped me understand and clear my doubts regarding almonds. And also to know that all nuts are healthy and good for controlling LDL is great.
I too can eat without worrying about future problems. Yay!
Glad to know you are in good health. And thank you very much for sharing your input on this; really helped me understand and clear my doubts regarding almonds. And also to know that all nuts are healthy and good for controlling LDL is great.I too can eat without worrying about future problems. Yay!@bostonphil (4459)
• United States
24 Feb 13
Yes, high cholesterol can also be genetic or heriditory. I have tried to improve my bad cholesterol through diet but it has not worked. I have received a prescription for meds and I have had them filled. But I hesitate to begin them because once you do, it is forever.
I am in fairly good health otherwise.
