Sweet almond (Prunus dulcis) is a type of nut consumed in the diet. Sweet almond and its oil are also used as medicine.
Sweet almond contains fiber, fatty acids, and other plant compounds. These compounds might help lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar. Sweet almond might also help people stick to diets when trying to lose weight.
People use sweet almond for high cholesterol, obesity, constipation, diabetes, aging skin, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Sweet almond is a tree nut. Tree nuts are considered major food allergens in the US. Sweet almond contents must be labeled on packaged food and supplement products. Don't confuse sweet almond with bitter almond or apricot kernel. These are not the same.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using sweet almond for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: Sweet almonds are commonly consumed as food. There isn't enough reliable information to know if sweet almond is safe to use as medicine. Some people might be allergic to sweet almond.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if sweet almond is safe. It might cause side effects such as itching and redness.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Sweet almonds are commonly consumed as food. There isn't enough reliable information to know if sweet almond is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Eating large amounts of sweet almond might worsen pain and diarrhea in people with IBS.
Kidney stones: Drinking sweet almond milk has been linked with bladder and kidney problems in children at risk of kidney stones. Avoid drinking large amounts of sweet almond milk if you are at risk for kidney stones.
It is not known if Sweet Almond interacts with any medicines. Before taking Sweet Almond, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
Sweet almonds are commonly eaten as food. As medicine, sweet almost has most often been used by adults in doses of 40-80 grams by mouth daily for up to 24 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
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