The almond diet is a diet that includes almonds as a method of losing or gaining weight. There are dozens of variations, but a common misconception is that an almond diet consists of eating only almonds. Depending on the variation, the diet might consist of eating non-red meats, plenty of vegetables, and whole grains in addition to almonds. The benefits of eating almonds on a regular basis include lower blood pressure, healthier weight, and a reduced risk of developing heart disease. It is generally advisable to consult a health professional before making any diet changes.
While there is no official almond diet, many people have created their own versions to follow. Some people use almonds to lose weight, while others use almonds to gain weight. No healthy diet consists of eating only almonds because humans need a wide variety of foods to be healthy. In addition, most health professionals advise against eating more than two handfuls of almonds per day. This is because, while almonds are healthy in small amounts on a regular basis, they have fats and calories that can be excessive when eaten in large quantities.
A healthy almond diet consists of eating a variety of vegetables and other foods in addition to the nuts. Humans also need to drink plenty of fluids to easily pass the extra fiber they get from eating a lot of almonds. Eating healthfully alone will not make an unhealthy person healthy, however. Moderate exercise is also needed on a daily basis.
The almond diet has many good qualities, such as the ability to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. Some studies report an improvement in peoples’ complexion and less risk of cancer. Many benefits of almonds have not been scientifically proved, but only suggested by studies. On the other hand, the proven benefits of almonds usually outweigh the risks of consumption. An exception is if a person has a nut allergy or intolerance to nuts, which can be fatal.
It is usually a good idea to ask a doctor before making drastic changes to a diet. This is especially true for people who have health problems like diabetes and need to follow a special diet. A doctor may have suggestions on how to better the diet, or he or she may warn against the diet for health reasons. For example, some diets are merely trends and are not always the healthiest.