The benefits of bitter almonds, their properties and scope of application

general information

Almond is a small tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family and grows in areas with a subtropical climate. The plant bears fruit in its fifth year and lives on average up to 150 years.

Almond tree nuts come in sweet and bitter varieties. A certain ban is imposed on the use of the latter. Both varieties are very similar, and a person who does not know how to distinguish one stone fruit from another will find it useful to learn about the features, benefits and contraindications of bitter nuts.

Description of bitter almonds

This is a shrub growing in subtropical latitudes. The plant grows up to 6 m in height. It blooms with light pink flowers. As a result of flowering, fruits are formed. In the wild, the culture grows on rocky landscapes in South-West, Central Asia and the Mediterranean; Cultivated forms are also grown here. Plants for nut production are also grown in horticulture in the USA and Australia.

Bitter, or Prunus dulcis var. amara is a type of almond tree. The fruits are small oval-shaped seeds in a thick peel. Peeled kernels have a pronounced nutty odor and taste bitter.

Did you know? Every year on February 16, people in the United States celebrate National Almond Day.

Homemade forms of Common Almond are usually sweet. Bitterness in nuts is found in wild plants. In this case, breeders resort to crossing both varieties. The gene that imparts sweetness is dominant, so cultural forms obtained from different species will be sweet in 75% of cases.

Difference from sweet almonds

Externally, it is very difficult to distinguish sweet almonds from bitter ones. There is no significant difference between them. The second has a smaller size and a strong shell that can only be cracked with pliers. Another difference between bitter and sweet almonds is their specific smell. The whole kernel has no odor, but if it is crushed, it will acquire a rich almond aroma due to the presence of amygdalin. This is a toxic substance that forms poison when it enters the stomach.

The glycoside amygdalin is found in the kernels and seeds of many fruit plants. If seeded jam is stored for a long time, the dangerous compound in it breaks down into glucose and hydrocyanic acid - a powerful poison. The content of amygdalin glycoside in apple seeds is 0.6%, in cherries – 0.8%, in plums and apricots – 1%, in bitter almonds – 3%. In sweet drupes this value barely reaches 0.2%

Reference!

Crossing both varieties produces sweet fruits in 80% of cases. Because the gene that carries bitterness is recessive.

Is it possible to eat bitter fruits?

The nucleoli are harmful after consuming large quantities. The formation of benzaldehyde and hydrocyanic acid occurs in the stomach, causing poisoning.

Attention! Just 10 pieces of raw bitter almonds lead to the death of a child. The lethal dose for an adult is 50 fruits .

The only reassuring thing is that it is impossible to eat so many kernels because of the bitterness. In case of poisoning, abdominal pain, palpitations, nausea, and dizziness appear. In this case, immediately call an emergency team. Before doctors arrive, it is necessary to rinse the stomach with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. To do this, you need to drink 4 glasses of liquid and press on the root of the tongue with your fingers to induce vomiting.

Bitter fruits are beneficial when taken correctly and in moderation. After roasting, the cyanide compounds are destroyed. However, it must be eaten very carefully. To prevent cancer, you can consume 1–2 kernels daily.

Advice! Instead of bitter almonds, use the sweet variety for health. It should not be given to children at all.

Composition and beneficial properties

Bitter nuts have the same contraindications and benefits as sweet varieties. Only unlike them, it contains a lot of amygdalin glycoside. Therefore, it cannot be eaten without prior processing. A dose of 10 pieces can be fatal.

The benefits of bitter almonds are due to its composition:

• proteins, carbohydrates;
• vitamins E, A, C, PP and group B;
• microelements: calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium;
• cellulose;
• fatty acid;
• monosaccharides;

Monounsaturated fatty acids reduce bad cholesterol levels. Vitamin E protects the skin and body from premature aging. Vitamin B promotes regeneration, formation and structure of cells. Microelements improve the functioning of the heart, nervous and endocrine systems, and are responsible for the formation and health of bones. The content of biologically active substances in bitter varieties exceeds the concentration of these elements in other nuts.

Important!

Bitter fruits are beneficial only when consumed in moderation and wisely.

Differences between species

Let's look at the difference between bitter and sweet almonds:

• Externally, as we have already said, the nuts are almost the same. The shape is oval, flattened on the sides, one tip is pointed. The cut of the kernel is white, the seed is covered with a brown skin, the shell is brown. Sweet fruits are usually slightly larger than bitter ones, their shell is slightly softer;
• The main difference, of course, is the taste. It is impossible to confuse the types, just as it is impossible to confuse bitterness with sweetness. Also, sweet fruits have a weak aroma, which, after roasting or baking, completely disappears;
• We have already mentioned the differences in chemical composition above;
• Bitter nuts have been shown to be a successful anthelmintic, something that has not been seen with their sweet counterparts;
• The scope of application also differs, which is much wider for the inedible species: cosmetology, soap making, perfumery, folk and traditional medicine, homeopathy, gardening, etc.

We also recommend: Lack of magnesium in the body: symptoms

Almond oil

Bitter nut seed oil is used exclusively for technical and cosmetic purposes. The product obtained by cold pressing is of greatest value.

Bitter and sweet almond oil has a number of beneficial properties:

1. It has an anti-inflammatory and pigment-constricting effect.
2. Contains oleic acid, thanks to which it is quickly absorbed and moisturizes the skin.
3. Regulates the functioning of the sebaceous glands.
4. Stimulates the growth of eyelashes and hair, making them shiny and elastic.
5. Gently smooths out fine wrinkles around the eyes.
6. Nourishes and rejuvenates the skin.
7. Has healing properties.

Bitter almond oil is often used as a base, mixed with other base oils and essential oils to achieve the desired result. Or used in its pure form, replacing cream. For children, it is applied to exposed areas of the body in winter to prevent chapping.

Essential oil (aromatic)

It is a light, colorless liquid with a marzipan aroma. Used in the food industry, mainly in confectionery. Added in small quantities to drinks to give an unusual aroma.

Due to the content of hydrocyanic acid in the essential oil (5%), it is not used internally or externally. It is used to aromatize the air and as an additive in the manufacture of cosmetics. The product improves the psycho-emotional state, activates brain function, and increases the level of concentration.

Important!

Doctors do not recommend using essential oil at home because of amygdalin.

Chemical composition

The nutritional value of almonds is 609 kcal per 100 g. Based on the composition of fats, the kernels are classified as “nourishing” foods. A handful of nuts covers 140% of the body's daily requirement for monounsaturated triglycerides. 100 g of almonds contain 67% of the daily value of magnesium and phosphorus, 56% of riboflavin and 35% of niacin.

Nut pulp consists of 35% healthy fats, and the rest comes from proteins and carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and sugars.

Table No. 1 “Nutritional value of sweet almonds” [1][2]

Table No. 2 “Chemical composition of sweet almonds”

Almond kernels are used to produce oil, milk and flour, which are widely used in the food, cosmetics industry, and folk medicine [3]. The sweet nut is used salted, toasted and raw. It is used in confectionery products (cakes, cookies, cakes, ice cream), meat dishes and rice. Whole roasted almonds are used to decorate baked goods, as well as enhance the taste of sweets and chocolate. Crushed is added to butter, ketchup, pasta, jam, glazed cheese curds and curd mass to give the product a nutty taste and aroma.

Application in medicine

In this area, bitter almonds are superior to their counterparts. Almost all parts of the plant have medicinal properties: leaves, bark, kernels and shells. The healing qualities of these products have been known since ancient times.

The leaves are collected in the spring, when flowering ends, and the nuts in the fall. The kernels are cleaned and dried. Subsequently, fatty oil is produced from them, which is added to medicinal ointments, injections and emulsions. Doctors highlight the following properties of bitter almonds:

• painkiller;
• anti-cold;
• antispasmodic;
• anti-inflammatory;
• laxative;
• sedative.

Bitter almonds protect against cancer and help fight tumors. Effective as a remedy that can relieve severe pain and improve metabolism.

The medicinal power of the fruit depends on the dosage. To prevent the development of tumor diseases, it is enough to eat 1-2 nuts a day. Eating nuts in excess of this norm is contraindicated. Even a minimal excess of the dose can cause irreparable harm.

ethnoscience

Bitter almonds are also used in folk medicine to treat the respiratory system. When taken for a long time, nuts have a tonic, diuretic and choleretic effect. Preparations based on them help treat anemia, neuroses, hypertension and furunculosis.

Almonds help with lack of sleep and excessive irritability. Thanks to the generous concentration of vitamins and minerals, the nut promotes rapid restoration of strength. It is used as part of complex therapy in the treatment of psychosomatic disorders.

Among the popular folk recipes are the following:

1. A remedy for strengthening vision, improving liver function and vascular elasticity. Take 100 gr. nuts Remove the shell from them and pour half a liter of alcohol into it. Place in a dark place for two weeks, remembering to shake occasionally. Drink the prepared infusion before meals, 15 drops.
2. 0.5-2 tbsp. l. Almond oil a day will help get rid of constipation, cure chronic gastritis and colitis.
3. For sprained ligaments and diaper rash, rub the oil in with massage movements. This technique will soften the skin, improve blood circulation and metabolism. Eliminates pain and relieves swelling.
4. 5 nuts eaten before the feast will protect against alcohol intoxication.

Application in cosmetology

The beneficial qualities of bitter almonds are recognized by cosmetologists around the world. It is able to prolong youth, giving elasticity to the skin, and strength and shine to the hair. The value of sweet and bitter almonds for the face lies in their whitening and anti-inflammatory properties.

Professional cosmetics and home remedies are made from bitter varieties. Almond oil is effective as a stand-alone product and in combination with other ingredients, oils, creams and lotions. It removes peeling and age spots well.

For cosmetic purposes it is used for:

• prolonging the youth of skin cells;
• protection from UV rays;
• narrowing of pores;
• removal of warts;
• hair growth;
• relieving inflammatory processes;
• healing of microcracks.

It is useful to comb weakened and split ends with a special comb and apply a few drops of the product. To enhance the effect, various essential oils are added to the base and applied to the hair from roots to ends, before or after shampooing.

A natural scrub based on:

• 1 tbsp. l. bitter almond oil;
• 50 gr. chopped almonds;
• egg yolk.

All components are thoroughly mixed and rubbed into the head for several minutes. After a quarter of an hour, wash off with warm tap water.

From sweat

Many people are afraid to use deodorants due to the high content of aluminum chlorohydrate in them. Essential oil can be used to make an effective antiperspirant. It is enough to mix soda with starch and add a few drops of aromatic product. This composition will get rid of germs and irritation in the armpit area. 1-2 treatments per day are enough to keep the skin dry and smelling good.

For intimate hygiene

Washing with a mixture of almond and lavender oils will permanently eliminate unpleasant odor in the intimate area. It is allowed to use the composition for douching and wetting tampons. During menstruation, this remedy will help relieve pain.

Uses of bitter almonds

Almonds are widely used in medicine; experts highlight their main qualities:

• almonds relieve pain and act as an anti-cold remedy;
• With the help of a nut you can strengthen your eyesight;
• Regular use of the product improves brain activity and heart function;
• almonds are an effective remedy in the fight against worms;
• With the help of the nut, the functions of the respiratory tract are restored.

It is also possible to treat cancer with bitter almonds; it will also act as a prophylactic agent. This ability lies in the content of vitamin B17. The substance has rather contradictory properties, because during decomposition it is divided into molecules of sugar, cyanide, and benzenedehyde.

Without disturbing the integrity of cells and the general condition of the body, the vitamin clings to malignant tissues and destroys them. It can act as a painkiller and improve metabolism, but in case of overdose it turns into a strong poison.

To prevent cancer, you should consume 2 almond kernels. The daily number of nuts increases by one until the person reaches 10 almonds.

Eating bitter almonds alone will not be enough to cure cancer. You must be careful when consuming bitter almonds, because if you abuse the nut, a person will expose himself to severe poisoning, which can be fatal without timely medical intervention.

Not only the fruit, but also almond oil is used to treat cancer. It needs to be rubbed into the areas where tumors occur. It is great for preventing skin, nose, and breast cancer.

The oil can soften the skin, relieve swelling and hardening of the lymph nodes. You cannot use only almond oil for a long time, the body will begin to get used to it and there will be no therapeutic effect.

Experts advise alternating almond and camphor oils. It is recommended to use almond oil under the supervision of a doctor, because amygdalin can poison the body even through the skin.

Use in cooking

Bitter almonds are used in small quantities to prepare sweets, desserts and other dishes. It is impossible to remove bitterness through heat treatment, but heat evaporates the poison, making the nuts harmless. Bitter almonds are included in many oriental dishes. It is added solely for flavor. Do not use in large quantities, as the bitterness of the fruit can ruin the entire taste.

Important!

Roasted almonds provide the same benefits as raw almonds. But during heat treatment, vitamins are destroyed. The only advantage of roasted almonds is that they break down more easily in the stomach.

Harm and contraindications

The harm that bitter nuts can cause is due to the high calorie content of the product and the toxic substance in its composition. Obese people need to limit their intake of nuts or completely eliminate them from their diet. Another limitation to the consumption of almonds is heart rhythm disturbances.

In the process of splitting nuts, hydrocyanic acid is formed in the human body, an excess of which can cause severe poisoning. The lethal dose for a small child is 10 bitter seeds, for an adult – 50. The only reassurance is that it is very difficult to eat such an amount at a time, and all because the nut is bitter.

Amygdalin is found not only in bitter kernels, but also in almond oil. Despite this, the product is valued in medicine because it can treat many diseases. Doctors do not recommend using the oil yourself, because the risk of poisoning is very high. Before consuming bitter almond kernels, you should consult a specialist and determine the optimal daily dose.

Contraindications to the use of almonds

You should not consume too many seeds, as they are rich in hydrocyanic acid, which can stop breathing, leading to death. Almond fruits still have no contraindications for use.

Author of the article:

Sokolova Nina Vladimirovna |
Herbalist Education: Diploma in General Medicine and Therapy received from the University named after N.I. Pirogov (2005 and 2006). Advanced training at the Department of Herbal Medicine at the Moscow People's Friendship University (2008). Our authors