There are a lot of us out there that absolutely love almonds, but we tend to stay away. Not because we think that they are unhealthy, but they are often associated with being high in calories (like most nuts are). Those that are on low carb diets tend to gravitate toward almonds as a filling snack, but most other dieters are cautious when counting calories.
However, you shouldn’t be taking almonds out of your diet completely. Instead, replace some of the snacks that you have been having otherwise with almonds. They not only make for a delicious snack, but they also come with a lot of benefits. Even in the form of almond milk, there is plenty to love. Not to mention almond butter, which is a healthier alternative to regular butter. Let’s take a look at some of those great benefits that have been proven to come from almonds.
Nut-ritious
Almonds are so low on the glycemic index that they have been given a number of zero. That number alone should make you want to eat more almonds, but wait until you hear what’s inside of them. Just one ounce of almonds is going to get you 12 percent of your daily recommended protein intake. This is why they have become so popular with those that like to hit the gym. Almonds are also very high in certain vitamins such as vitamin E and riboflavin.
Some of the great nutrients found within almonds are manganese, copper, magnesium and phosphorus. The amount of good stuff that you can find in almonds will give you an immune system boost that you likely need. There is also about 15 percent of your daily recommended fiber intake with one ounce of almonds, which goes a long way for digestive health.
One number that people tend to get worried about regarding almonds is the fat inside. There are nearly 14 grams of fat in a serving of almonds, but that number shouldn’t startle you. These are mostly good fats that your body needs, but we will get more into that. As for the low carbers, there are only six grams of carbs in each serving.
Cholesterol Fighter
Heart disease and cholesterol related diseases have become all too common in a society where we tend to eat more processed foods. If you want to not only lower your cholesterol, but also prevent heart disease, you should be eating more almonds. It has been found that eating five servings of almonds per week can reduce your chances of a heart attack by nearly 50 percent. That’s an insanely large number, especially if your family has a history of heart disease.
Almonds work to lower the bad cholesterol (LDL) in your system and the amount of vitamin E will also help your blood flow. Even if you aren’t eating them every day for the rest of your life, you can see an almost instant boost to your cardiovascular system with almonds. Eating them for only a week can improve your heart health, which is another reason gym-goers love them.
Nuts About Weight Loss
As we mentioned earlier, many people trying to lose weight tend to stay away from almonds as they are fairly high in calories. However, they make for the perfect snack for anyone trying to drop a few pounds. There is a lot of fiber to be found within almonds, which will help you feel more full and avoid giving into cravings for sugary or starchy foods.
Studies have even shown that people that eat almonds more frequently tend to weigh less than those that don’t. A big part of that is because they have made a focus on eating a healthy amount of almonds per day to avoid other snacking. Even when trying to maintain your weight, you boost your chances of avoiding weight gain by more than 30 percent when eating nuts such as almonds at least twice per week.
So not only are almonds filling (which is huge for dieters), but they also help to regulate your blood sugar. Sugar spikes and crashes can affect weight loss negatively, so balancing yourself out in that regard will boost your metabolism. It will also give you the energy you need to get through a workout, which some of us really need.
Beautiful Almonds
Not only can almonds make you feel better inside and help you look better on the outside due to helping you lose weight, but they can also make you look better in the form of almond milk. Vitamin E is a huge part of skincare, as it fights free radicals that give you an aging appearance. With moisturized skin and free radicals at bay, you are sure to look younger.
Almond milk also makes for a fantastic skincare product, which is why it has been used so much in soaps, shampoos and other facial treatments in the form of an almond oil extract. If you are more worried about your smile and how your teeth look, though, almonds can also help you. Almonds contain a lot of calcium, which will help strengthen your teeth and even your gums. As you have known for a long time, calcium also helps strengthen your other bones, preventing the chances of osteoporosis.
Summing it Up
You can lower your cholesterol and blood pressure thanks to almonds while managing your weight and blood sugar. Those benefits alone should be able to get you to eat them on a more consistent basis. They are also delicious and come in many different forms of preparation. Some prefer almond milk, especially those who are lactose intolerant, as they can not drink regular milk.
There are also raw and roasted types of almonds, and either one is going to give you a great benefit. Of course, there are the almonds that are highly salted, and those are the ones you should try to stay away from if you are looking to improve your heart health. The only thing that you should be concerned about otherwise is moderation.
Almonds can be a bit addictive once you start snacking, and you don’t want to eat too many. One cup of almonds has nearly 600 calories, so it can lead to weight gain that is fast and furious while you are getting too many nutrients on top of that. The best way to moderate your almond intake is by selecting some of those individual packs. It makes for a perfect snack and will help you control your portions, which is always a benefit.