Awesome Almonds
Many people worry that almonds, and nuts in general, are too fatty to eat on a
regular basis. They couldn’t be more wrong! Current research reveals that
almonds are not only the most nutritionally dense nut, they actually decrease
one’s risk of weight gain.
Nutritional Content
Like olive oil and avocados, almonds are high in monounsaturated fat. This
type of fat is considered "heart healthy" and is associated with a reduced risk
of heart disease. Almonds are a very good source of vitamin E, one of the most
potent antioxidants around. The magnesium in almonds lessens blood vessel
resistance and improves the flow of blood, decreasing blood pressure and
lessening ones risk of heart disease. At least twenty antioxidant flavonoids
have been identified in almond skins. Some of these are the same well known
catechins also found in green tea. Almonds are a good source of manganese and
copper. These minerals are cofactors for a very important enzyme called
superoxide dismutase or "SOD". SOD plays a crucial role in squelching free
radicals in the body. Almonds are also a good source of vitamin B2 (also known
as riboflavin) which plays an important role in energy production. Finally,
almonds are a concentrated source of protein: one quarter cup of almonds
contains close to 8 grams of protein.
Let's "Nut" Forget—Almonds Lower the Risk of Weight Gain!
Many people avoid nuts in general for fear of gaining weight, however, studies
have shown this fear is unsubstantiated. A recent 28 month study in Spain
involving thousands of adult men and women, found that people who ate nuts at
least twice a week were much less likely to gain weight than those who almost
never ate nuts.
Add Almonds to Your Meals and Snacks
Adding almonds to your diet couldn't be any easier—try some almond butter on
you toast, celery, or pickle (that's they way I like it!), or toss a bag of raw
almonds into your work bag for a mid-day snack.
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