An almond a day keeps the cravings away, goes the modern saying. And this is whether you have them peeled or not. The nuts are nutritious, especially vitamin E, and contain various healthy fats, magnesium, protein, and fibre. They can also make your skin and hair shine and even reduce cholesterol. The magnesium in almonds can control blood sugar levels and improve insulin resistance. Also loaded with monosaturated and polyunsaturated fats, calcium and folate, almonds can be easily enjoyed as a healthy snack. Almonds are also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining the brain's health.
However, high-quality, unadulterated almonds should be consumed to enjoy these amazing health benefits. Most dry fruits and nuts available in the market these days are adulterated. Almonds are reportedly the most adulterated nut, especially the ones sold loosely. The most common method of adulteration is polishing using harmful chemicals. Almonds polished using a red pigment look appetizing. Polishing is done mostly on old almonds to trick the consumers.
How to detect adultered nuts
1) To detect whether your almonds are adultered, take two almonds and rub them nicely between your palms. If your hands are stained, then the almonds are polished.
2) Almonds lose the healthy oils in them with time. Rub a few almonds on a piece of paper or tissue. The tissue or paper would have more oil stains if the almonds were new.
3) Shake 8 – 10 almonds in a steel container. If they sound firm and loud, then the almonds aren’t old. Almonds begin to lose their oils and absorb moisture when they turn old or stale. Mixing good quality almonds with old almonds has become common to cheat the customers. Before buying almonds, check them carefully. If you notice any changes in its colour, shape or size, do not buy them as the almonds may have been adulterated.
