Almonds Are Good for You!    [01-11-2008] Do you like eating almonds? Almonds are among the earliest cultivated foods in history. They are thought to have originated in China and Central Asia. Like most nuts, almonds were thought to have too much fat to be a healthy snack. But research has shown that the nuts actually provide various health benefits. One study showed that 85 grams of almonds a day actually lowered your cholesterol level by 14 percent. Also, almonds contain plant chemicals that may provide powerful protection against heart disease, stroke, cancer, and other diseases. According to studies, almonds are a well-balanced food. In fact, almonds are the most nutritious of all nuts. They are high in protein, fiber, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin E. The nuts are rich in other antioxidants, too. Also, they help prevent osteoporosis and regulate blood pressure. Of course, since almonds are a plant based food, they contain no cholesterol! There’s another good thing about eating almonds. It can help you maintain a healthy weight. Studies have shown that nuts like almonds can actually lower the risk of gaining weight when eaten at least twice a week. According to a new study done at Purdue University, adding nearly two servings of almonds to people’s diet did not cause them to gain weight or body fat at all. Instead, it led to a decreased calorie intake from other sources of food. This may be due to the high fiber content of almonds. So, when you have the munchies, go for almonds!     출처: 어린이 영자신문 키즈타임즈 (www.kidstimes.net)