12 Reasons to Add Almonds To Your Diet

Aside from being a delicious food, almonds offer an extensive number of health benefits. Studies have shown numerous health benefits of nut consumption including reduced incidence of coronary heart disease, gallstones, hypertension, cancer, inflammation, blood pressure and metabolic syndrome. Here are just a few reasons to consider adding this healthy food to your diet.

Cancer fighter-Gamma tocopherol ( a type of vitamin E) is a potent antioxidant, that can fight  oxidative stress and free radical damage which are linked to  cancer. Studies link higher vitamin E intake with lower rates of  prostate  and colon cancer.

Constipation– Almonds are rich in fiber. Fiber is beneficial in helping to prevent constipation.

Weight loss-Almonds contain monounsaturated fat will helps to curb appetite and can prevent over eating. This study shows that people who consume almonds at least twice a week are more likely to remain at their ideal weight, rather than those who rarely or never consume almonds.

Lowered Cholesterol– Almonds have been found to have a consistent LDL-C-lowering effect in healthy individuals, and in individuals with high cholesterol and diabetes

Diabetes- Almonds are high in healthy fat, protein, fiber and magnesium. Magnesium is also needed for more than 300 bodily functions including controlling blood sugar levels.

Blood pressure– Magnesium deficiency is linked to blood pressure problems. Almonds are high in magnesium and may be able to help reduce blood pressure issues.

Heart Health-Some of the ingredients in almonds such as arginine, calcium, copper, manganese, magnesium, and potassium are important nutrients for heart health.

Nutrient Rich-Almonds are rich in fiber and protein. They also contain vitamin E, riboflavin, niacin, manganese, copper, calcium, iron and phosphorous.

Brain health– Almonds contain L-carnitine and riboflavin two ingredients that positively affect brain activity and actually help prevent with cognitive decline.

Alzheimer’s– Several studies link lower rates of Alzheimer’s disease to high vitamin E consumption., as well  as less cognitive decline with age. Thankfully almonds are high in vitamin E.

Immune system– Almonds contribute to the body’s alkalinity and have high levels of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that destroys free radicals in the body. Research also shows people whose intake of vitamin E is high are 30-40% less likely to suffer with heart disease.

Gut Health– Almonds and almond skins are rich in fiber and other components that have potential prebiotic properties. This study showed significant increases in the populations of Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp.

 

One ounce of almonds (roughly equals 23 almonds) contains:

  • Fiber: 3.5 grams.
  • Protein: 6 grams.
  • Fat: 14 grams (9 of which are monounsaturated).
  • Vitamin E: 37% of the RDA.
  • Manganese: 32% of the RDA.
  • Magnesium: 20% of the RDA.
  • They also contain a decent amount of copper, vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and phosphorus.

chocolate, blackberry hemp frosty

Looking for ways to incorporate more almonds into your diet? Try these healthy almond recipes:

Health Benefits of Almonds & Three Recipes

Chocolate Cherry Smoothie Bowl

Green Almond Superfood Smoothie

Cocoa Almond Hemp Smoothie

Chocolate Maca Almond Protein Milk

Almond Milk

Chocolate Coconut Almond Smoothie

Chocolate & Blackberry Almond Hemp Protein Frosty

Health Benefits of Nuts & 5 Nut Butter Recipes

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My Health Maven offers information on a wholistic approach to healthy lifestyle choices.