Bitter almonds contain a variety of nutrients, including protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, due to their cyanide content, they should be consumed with caution and only in processed forms to avoid the risk of cyanide poisoning. As with any food, it's essential to enjoy bitter almonds in moderation as part of a balanced diet to reap their nutritional benefits safely.

Bitter almonds, scientifically known as Prunus dulcis var. amara, are a type of almond that contains amygdalin, a compound that gives them a bitter taste and also releases cyanide when metabolized. Due to the cyanide content, bitter almonds are not consumed raw and are instead processed to remove the toxic compounds before use. Despite this, bitter almonds have some nutritional value when processed correctly.

Here is the nutritional breakdown of bitter almonds per 100 grams:

  1. Calories: Bitter almonds contain approximately 590 calories, making them a calorie-dense food.

  2. Protein: Bitter almonds are a good source of protein, providing about 21 grams per 100 grams. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

  3. Fat: Bitter almonds are high in fat, with around 52 grams per 100 grams. The fat content consists mainly of healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels when consumed in moderation.

  4. Carbohydrates: Bitter almonds contain approximately 22 grams of carbohydrates per 100 grams. These carbohydrates include dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

  5. Fiber: Bitter almonds are a good source of dietary fiber, providing about 12 grams per 100 grams. Fiber is important for maintaining digestive health and can help prevent constipation.

  6. Vitamins and minerals: Bitter almonds contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, calcium, and iron. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage, while magnesium is important for bone health and muscle function. Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth, and iron is necessary for the production of red blood cells.

Despite their nutritional value, bitter almonds should be consumed with caution due to their cyanide content. Eating raw bitter almonds can lead to cyanide poisoning, which can cause symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea, and in severe cases, even death. To safely enjoy the nutritional benefits of bitter almonds, it is important to only consume them in processed forms, such as almond extract or bitter almond oil, where the toxic compounds have been removed.