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Improve Heart Health
Eating 20 almonds a day may help keep your heart healthy. One way they help is by lowering LDL, the bad cholesterol that can lead to plaque build-up in your blood vessels. Almonds have also been linked to a reduction in chronic inflammation that is a major contributor to heart disease. Nuts in general appear to improve conditions in the lining of arteries and may also reduce your risk of blood clots, which can cause a fatal heart attack. The heart-healthy ingredients in almonds include unsaturated fats, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, plant sterols, l-arginine, and vitamin E.
Lower Cholesterol
Improved heart health and lower cholesterol go hand-in-hand, but you can boost the cholesterol-lowering effects of eating almonds by leaving the skins on. Almond skin has been found to contain flavonoids, which are plant-based pigments that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Flavonoids are thought to work with the vitamin E and vitamin C content of the nuts to increase the effectiveness of antioxidants and lower LDL levels.