Important ingredients of the almond
Almonds are unique sources of energy. You have become an indispensable part of our menu. In particularly high, health-promoting concentrations, they contain:
- calcium
- Vitamins, especially vitamin E.
- unsaturated fatty acids
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- Almonds and their poisonous reputation: what's really behind them
Well-founded studies show that the daily consumption of almonds can prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Not all almonds are the same
It is important to clearly distinguish between sweet almonds and bitter almonds. More successful thanks to a long history breeding Sweet almonds do not contain any traces of amygdalin.
Sweet almonds only contain a dwindling low proportion of amygdalin in isolated cases. However, this cannot have a negative effect on the human organism. For this reason, they are widely used in the preparation of culinary delights.
In contrast, bitter almonds contain three to five percent amygdalin. During the digestive process, this is, among other things, in highly toxic hydrogen cyanide transformed.
Warning: bitter almond
A rule of thumb:
- One raw bitter almond per kilogram of body weight is very harmful.
- In adults, consuming 50 to 60 bitter almonds can be fatal.
- Even 5 to 10 bitter almonds are life-threatening for children.
Natural protective function
These facts can be frightening. Nevertheless, nature has also taken precautions here with a quasi-integrated protection system. Normally we humans, big or small, are not particularly fond of very bitter foods. Our body has consciously integrated these defense mechanisms.
Now it is mainly up to us to listen to these signs. We should give our children these valuable, natural skills.
Bitter sweet almonds are dangerous?
On closer inspection, we repeatedly come across sweet almonds that taste very bitter. This is because, despite successful breeding, every almond tree has a "black peter" with its fruit. This contains a small amount of amygdalin.
Due to the taste, we instinctively avoid consuming this somewhat bitter almond.
Tips & Tricks
To be on the safe side, allotment gardens should refrain from growing bitter almonds entirely. In addition, nature can be explored “good and bad” together with children. Education helps protect yourself and others.
FT