Eating Almonds Can Help Combat Herpes

Simply put, eating almonds is good for your health. When regularly incorporated into one’s diet, almonds can lower cholesterol, reduce heart risk, and protect against diabetes. Recent studies have also shown that almonds may ward off colds and viral infections, including genital herpes.

Researchers have identified a natural chemical located in the skin of the almonds which can strengthen the body’s immune system and fend off viral infections. The compounds in almonds, or polyphenols, aid white blood cells in fighting against viruses and preventing viruses from multiplying in the body. When the chemicals in the almond skins were introduced to white blood cells, the production of the genital herpes virus, HSV-2, was decreased.

Researchers chose genital herpes for this study because of the virus’s complexity and its ability to evade the immune system. Since almonds had a positive impact on this virus, it is likely that it will work similarly against other viruses.

According to this study, almonds were only effective against the HSV-2 virus when the skins were intact. Almond skins are sometime removed by blanching prior to consumption. Researchers also noted that other nuts may have the same health benefits, so adding almonds and nuts to your diet may help curb genital herpes and other viruses.