ALMONDS A seed of the fruit of the almond tree bearing fragrant pink and white flowers is what we know as Almond nut.

Make your day nice all by yourself by adding some almond butter to a breakfast shake to boost its taste and protein content.

Because of their mild flavor, almonds are used both as a garnish and as an ingredient in a variety of both sweet and savory dishes. Sweetened almond paste, called marzipan, is used to make candies and to decorate cakes. Almonds coated with caramelized sugar are called pralines. Almonds can also be made into almond butter, which is used in the same ways as peanut butter, and can be ground into a powder and made into an almond milk drink.

One of my favorite things is to toast almonds in the oven and use the fragrant nuts to top fruit salad.

Almonds truly are a wonder food. Studies have shown that eating just one ounce of almonds each day can significantly lower LDL - bad cholesterol - and can help reduce heart disease. One study even concluded that eating a handful of almonds five days a week can lower LDL cholesterol the same or even more than some medications.

They also contain phytochemicals, which may help protect against cardiovascular disease and cancer, specifically prostate and cervical cancers.

Still, these tree nuts have other benefits. Almonds, especially their skins, are a great source of vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that is credited with fighting the aging processes, such as wrinkles and hair loss. Almonds can be a tasty treat to replace a high-fat, high-calorie snack. Try almonds in a tropical trail mix or sliced on top of your salad. Even the sweet taste of honey roasted almonds will provide you with all the nutritious health benefits that almonds have to offer.