- Important components of the almond
- Almond is not just almond
- Warning: bitter almonds
- Bitter sweet almonds are dangerous?
- tips and tricks
Bad stories about the nutritious almonds can be read again and again. But what exactly is behind it? We unveil the big secret with the help of a few facts.
Important components of the almond
Almonds are unique sources of energy. They are an integral part of our menu. In particularly high, health-promoting concentrations, they contain:
- calcium
- Vitamins, especially vitamin E
- unsaturated fatty acids
Well-founded studies show that the daily consumption of almonds can prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Almond is not just almond
It is important to clearly distinguish between sweet almonds and bitter almonds. Thanks to a long history of successful breeding, sweet almonds contain no traces of amygdalin.
Sweet almonds only contain a diminishingly small amount of amygdalin in a few cases. However, this cannot have a negative effect on the human organism. For this reason, they are very popular in the preparation of culinary delights.
In contrast, bitter almonds contain three to five percent amygdalin. During the digestion process, this is converted into highly toxic hydrocyanic acid, among other things.
Warning: bitter almonds
A rule of thumb:
- One raw bitter almond per kilogram of body weight is very harmful.
- In adults, eating 50 to 60 bitter almonds can cause death.
- For children, 5 to 10 bitter almonds are life-threatening.
Natural protective function
These facts can be frightening. Nevertheless, nature has taken precautions here with a quasi-integrated protection system. Normally, we humans, whether big or small, are not particularly fond of very bitter foods. Our body has consciously integrated these defense mechanisms.
Now it is up to us to listen to these signs. We should give our children these valuable, natural skills.
Bitter sweet almonds are dangerous?
If you look closely, you will come across sweet almonds that taste very bitter. This is because, despite successful cultivation, every almond tree has a "black Peter" with its fruit. This contains a small amount of amygdalin.
Because of the taste, we usually instinctively avoid consuming this somewhat bitter almond.
tips and tricks
To be on the safe side, allotments should refrain from growing bitter almonds at all. In addition, nature can be explored together with children for "good and evil". Education helps to protect yourself and others.
FT