A handful a day can quickly lower high cholesterol

We all have our favorite snack. However, when selecting it, it's best to consider not only the taste but the nutritional value as well. There's no difficulty in finishing off all the popcorn before the start of a movie. But wouldn't it be great if such indulgence resulted in something beneficial?

The above-mentioned popcorn, chips, fries, or chocolate-covered cookies aren't exactly good for our bodies. It's a simple truth, but worth repeating from time to time. So, what should you reach for when you feel a serious snack urge? Opt for nuts! And, more specifically, the healthiest of them all - the almonds. In this way, health benefits merge with delicious taste.

Opt for almonds, especially in the fall and winter, when cold and flu prevalence is high. Why? Almonds have nearly everything required by the "anti-cold diet". They are rich in vitamin E, folic acid, polyphenols, and unsaturated fatty acids. And, that's not all.

Vitamin E, besides being a potent anti-inflammatory, is also a powerful antioxidant. What does this mean in practical terms? It means almonds are a food that "prolongs youth". Vitamin E safeguards cellular components from damage and slows skin aging processes. Hence, it's little wonder that almond oil, which maintains skin firmness and combats wrinkles, is often derived from almonds.

An excessively high level of bad cholesterol could lead to grave health complications, from strokes to pancreatitis. Paying attention to this issue can be crucial—for instance, through almonds. Their extraordinary effect on cholesterol levels, thanks to the unsaturated fatty acids present in almonds, is scientifically endorsed.

As stated on the dietto.pl website, consuming 1.3 ounces (roughly one handful) of almonds daily results in a 4 percent reduction in "bad" cholesterol. Consuming two handfuls equates to a reduction of up to 9.4 percent. You must agree, it sounds quite promising!