What are the functions, effects, and contraindications of bitter almond?

Almonds are a common type of nut. Their general benefits and functions include moistening the lungs and relieving cough, promoting bowel movements and lubricating the intestines, beautifying the complexion, regulating blood lipids, and supplementing nutrition. Common contraindications include triggering allergies, interfering with drug absorption, causing indigestion, drug interactions, and exacerbating damp-heat body constitution. Detailed explanations are as follows:

I. Benefits and Functions

1. Moisturize the Lungs and Relieve Cough: Almonds are rich in volatile oils and amygdalin, which can effectively alleviate cough symptoms caused by lung dryness and heat. They also help clear mucus from the respiratory tract, thus relieving coughing and easing asthma.

2. Promote Bowel Movements and Lubricate the Intestines: Almonds are rich in dietary fiber and oils, which can stimulate intestinal peristalsis and increase stool lubrication, thereby improving constipation. They are especially beneficial as an adjunct for the elderly or sedentary individuals.

3. Beautify the Complexion: Almonds contain various vitamins and antioxidant substances, such as vitamin E and polyphenolic compounds. These components can inhibit free radical production, delay skin aging, improve dull skin tone, and long-term moderate consumption helps maintain skin elasticity and luster.

4. Regulate Blood Lipids: The unsaturated fatty acids in almonds can lower blood levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. This helps prevent atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.

5. Supplement Nutrition: Almonds are rich in high-quality plant protein and contain various minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, as well as B-complex vitamins. These nutrients provide comprehensive nutritional support for the body, enhance immunity, and maintain normal metabolic functions.

II. Contraindications

1. Allergies: Some individuals may have an allergic reaction to almond proteins, presenting symptoms such as rashes and difficulty breathing. Such individuals should avoid almond consumption.

2. Interfere with Drug Absorption: Amygdalin may interfere with the absorption of iron and calcium supplements. It is recommended to take almonds at least two hours apart from these medications.

3. Cause Indigestion: Excessive fiber intake may irritate the gastric mucosa, leading to bloating and diarrhea. Individuals with weak gastrointestinal function should control their almond intake.

4. Drug Interactions: When taken with antihypertensive drugs or anticoagulants, almonds may enhance drug effects, increasing the risk of bleeding or hypotension. Dosage adjustments should be made under medical guidance.

5. Exacerbate Damp-Heat Constitution: According to traditional Chinese medicine, almonds are warm in nature. Consumption by individuals with internal damp-heat may worsen symptoms such as bitter taste in the mouth, acne, and yellow greasy tongue coating.

In addition, almonds should not be consumed together with Huang Qi (Astragalus), as Huang Qi has functions of boosting qi, uplifting yang, promoting body fluid production, and nourishing blood, whereas almonds function to lower qi. The medicinal properties of the two counteract each other.