Bitter almonds and extracts in medicinal terms are used for treatment of inflammation, spasms, localized pain, and respiratory distress. It can be used both topically and internally consumed. In the past it was used for a range of health conditions in raw form, but is no longer recommended due to toxicity risk.
One cup of bitter almonds contains 529 calories, 45 grams of fat including 11 grams of polyunsaturated fat, 18% of daily recommendations of potassium, 44% of dietary fiber, 40% of protein, 24% of calcium, 61% of magnesium, 18% iron, 5% vitamin B6, only 1 mg of sodium, and 3.6 grams of sugar.
Bitter almonds are used in production of certain cosmetics, soaps, lotions, and conditioners. Bitter almonds are preferred for its fragrance and high concentration of active ingredients that help decrease inflammation and beautify skin.
Bitter almond essential oil has vermifuge, germicidal, febrifuge, antibacterial, sedative, antifungal, anti-intoxicating, anesthetic, aperient, antiviral, anti-carcinogenic, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties mainly due to glycoside amygdalin, hydrogen cyanide, and benzaldehyde components.
