Sweet Almond

by MedlinePlus

The almond is closely related to the peach, apricot, and cherry (all classified as drupes). Unlike the others, however, the outer layer of the almond is not edible. The edible portion of the almond is the seed.

Sweet almonds are a popular nutritious food. Researchers are especially interested in their level of monounsaturated fats, as these appear to have a beneficial effect on blood lipids.

Almond oil is widely used in lotions and cosmetics.

Evidence

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Uses based on scientific evidence

High cholesterol (whole almonds)

Early studies in humans and animals report that whole almonds may lower total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL/"bad" cholesterol), and raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL/"good" cholesterol"). It is not clear what dose may be safe or effective.

Radiation therapy skin reactions (used on the skin)

In preliminary study, an ointment made of sweet almond has not shown a benefit when applied to the skin of patients treated with radiation.

Uses based on tradition or theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Antibacterial, aphrodisiac, bladder cancer, breast cancer, chapped lips, colon cancer, dilution of injected medications, emollient, heart disease, increasing sperm count, mild laxative, moisturizer, mouth and throat cancers, plant-derived estrogen, uterine cancer.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Standardization

Standardization involves measuring the amount of certain chemicals in products to try to make different preparations similar to each other. It is not always known if the chemicals being measured are the "active" ingredients. Standardized sweet almond products are not widely available. Almond samples have been found to be contaminated with a dangerous molecule, aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is produced by Aspergillus fungus and is also present in small amounts in peanut products. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is responsible for monitoring aflatoxin concentrations.

Adults (18 years and older)

High cholesterol: Studies have used 84 to 100 grams of whole almonds daily by mouth with no reported side effects.

Laxative: 30 milliliters of sweet almond oil daily by mouth has been used.

Note: A small randomized controlled trial showed the same cholesterol profile benefits in patients taking almond oil versus whole almonds, although dosing was based on a percentage of habitual fat intake and not on a specific weight of whole almonds or measure of almond oil. Sweet almonds and sweet almond oil should not be confused with bitter almonds or bitter almond oil, which can be dangerous in humans.

Children (younger than 18 years)

Little information is available for the use of sweet almonds in children, aside from the amounts normally eaten in the diet.

Safety

Allergies

Allergies to almonds are common and can lead to severe reactions, including oral allergic syndrome (OAS), swelling of the lips and face, and closure of the throat. People who are allergic to one type of nut may also be allergic to other nuts. Avoid use in anyone with known allergy to almonds, almond products, or other nuts.

Side Effects and Warnings

In most reports, sweet almond is generally considered to be safe when taken by mouth. Based on animal studies, sweet almond may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Serum glucose levels may need to be monitored by a healthcare provider, and medication adjustments may be necessary.

Mice fed sweet almonds have been reported to lose weight, but it is not clear if this reflects a change in their diet or a specific effect of almonds. Almonds are reported to lower low-density lipoproteins (LDL or "bad cholesterol") and total cholesterol levels. One animal study reports that sweet almond may have estrogen-like activity. A study in mice reports hair loss and inflammation in the leg joints. There is a report of a fat embolism (fat bubbles traveling through the bloodstream, which is potentially dangerous) due to injection of almond oil into the penis.

Theoretically, increased intake of almonds (and therefore increased intake of unsaturated fat) can lead to weight gain. However, a small randomized controlled trial reports that consuming approximately 320 calories of almonds daily for six months does not lead to statistically or biologically significant average changes in body weight, and does increase the consumption of unsaturated fats.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

There is little information about the use of sweet almond during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It appears that almonds in regular dietary intake are safe for most non-allergic individuals.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs

Based on animal studies, sweet almond may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare provider. Medication adjustments may be necessary.

Theoretically, almonds and cholesterol-lowering agents may have additive effects when taken together.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

Based on animal studies, sweet almond may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may also lower blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment. Possible examples include: Aloe vera , American ginseng, bilberry, bitter melon, burdock,fenugreek, fish oil, gymnema, horse chestnut seed extract (HCSE), maitake mushroom, marshmallow, milk thistle, Panax ginseng, rosemary, Siberian ginseng, stinging nettle, and white horehound.

Theoretically, almonds may add to the effects of herbs or supplements that lower blood cholesterol levels, such as fish oil, garlic, guggul, or niacin.

About the Author

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