Known for their buttery flavor and crunchy texture, almonds are a versatile ingredient that is often added to both sweet and savory dishes. They are also a great source of essential nutrients and have many health benefits.
What Are Almonds?
Although almonds are often referred to as nuts, almonds are technically a type of seed that comes from the almond tree. These trees are native to Western Asia but are now cultivated and cultivated across the globe. Almonds are slightly more expensive compared to some other types of nuts, which is due to their popularity and the labor-intensive harvesting process required.
In appearance, almonds are light brown in color, oval in shape, and have a smooth shell. They have a rich, nutty flavor that is perfect for a variety of recipes, adding extra crunch to salads, or bringing a tender texture to baked goods. They can also be made directly into healthy snacks that can be baked, eaten raw, or pickled.
Nutritional Information
Almonds are a great source of healthy fats, and each serving contains a lot of fiber, plant protein, vitamins, and minerals. One ounce or about 23 almonds (about a handful) provide the following nutrients:
- Calories: 164
- Fat: 14.1 grams
- Saturated fat:1.1grams
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium:0.3mg
- Carbohydrates:6.1grams
- Dietary fiber: 3.5 grams
- Protein:6 grams
- Vitamin E: 7.3 mg
- Manganese: 0.6 mg
- Magnesium: 76.5 mg
- Copper: 0.3 mg
- Riboflavin: 0.3 mg
- Phosphorus: 136 mg
Almonds are particularly high in monounsaturated fats, including oleic acid, a heart-healthy fat that may help regulate weight, food intake, and metabolism. They are also a great source of vitamin E, a micronutrient that doubles as an antioxidant that boosts immune function and reduces inflammation.
Compared to other nuts, almonds are in the middle of the pack in terms of calorie and fat content. For example, walnuts contain about 1 calories and 185.18 grams of fat per 5.155 ounces. Cashews, meanwhile, contain only about 12 calories and 4.<> grams of fat per ounce.
Health Benefits of Almonds
Aside from the nutty flavor and versatility, there are plenty of reasons to add a handful of almonds to your day. From improving heart health to curbing hunger and speeding up weight loss, almonds have a variety of health benefits. Read on to learn about some of the main health benefits of almonds:
1. They can control cholesterol.
Adding almonds to your snack may help lower cholesterol levels. “Almonds contain heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that have been linked to lower ‘bad cholesterol’ or LDL levels in the body,” says Huma Chaudhry, a clinical dietitian. According to Chowdhury, almonds contain more fiber per ounce than other nuts, which may help lower cholesterol levels.
One study in adults found that eating whole roasted almonds every day for six weeks resulted in a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol levels, compared to eating a less healthy control snack (muffin). Another review concluded that eating about 1.5 ounces of almonds per day lowered total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, as well as some other risk factors for heart disease.
2. They may help balance blood sugar levels.
“Almonds are a great snack for balancing blood sugar,” says Desiree Nielsen, a nutritionist and author of “Good for Your Gut.” She explains that the combination of fiber, fat, and protein can promote a slow, steady rise in blood sugar levels when eaten alone or paired with other high-carb foods such as fruits.
Interestingly, one study showed that eating 2 ounces of almonds daily for 12 weeks reduced hemoglobin A1c (a marker of long-term blood sugar control) in adolescents and young adults at risk of diabetes. Additionally, a 2023 study found that eating about 1.5 ounces of almonds per day can enhance insulin sensitivity, which can improve the body’s ability to use insulin to control blood sugar levels.
3. They may be beneficial for weight loss.
While almonds may be high in calories, they are actually good for your waistline. That’s because almonds contain a lot of protein, fat, and fiber per serving, which can increase satiety and help you stay fuller for longer, Chowdhury says.
An analysis of 28 studies found that almond consumption may be associated with a reduction in body weight and fat mass. In another study, eating almonds as a morning snack increased subjective satiety compared to no snacking. Not only that, but participants consumed the same amount of calories throughout the day, regardless of whether they ate 1 ounce or 1.5 ounces of almonds.
4. They can help you keep your heart healthy.
Almonds have an excellent nutrient profile and are a great addition to a heart-healthy diet. “Almonds contain a variety of heart-health-related nutrients, including potassium, which is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure, as well as vitamin E and monounsaturated fats,” Nelson told Mindbodygreen.
Studies have shown that eating nuts regularly can even help prevent heart disease. According to one review, increasing nut intake has been linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease. In another analysis, researchers concluded that eating more nuts may also reduce the risk of heart disease and dying from heart disease.
5. They are rich in antioxidants.
Almonds are a great source of antioxidants, which are compounds with health-promoting properties that can fight inflammation14 and chronic disease. They are particularly high in vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage.
One study found that eating almonds increased blood levels of antioxidants while also boosting the body’s antioxidant defense system. A 2018 animal study also showed that almond supplementation could help delay or prevent memory problems in rats17 due to their powerful antioxidant properties.
6. They can enhance gut health.
The health of the digestive tract plays a central role in almost every other aspect of health. In fact, it is believed that the gut microbiome – which contains trillions of microbes in the gut – may be involved in the development of many different diseases, from cancer to diabetes. Eating almonds is a simple strategy to improve your gut health.
A review published in the journal Nutrition reports that almonds can support the health of the gut microbiota by increasing the diversity and richness of the microbiota, improving the ratio of good bacteria to bad bacteria, and increasing the concentration of gut-healthy compounds. Similarly, one study showed that eating 2 ounces of almonds per day could improve the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota in college students.
7. They can improve bone density.
Almonds can provide many of the nutrients needed to help maintain bone health, including calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. According to an older study, almonds can reduce the formation of osteoclasts, a type of cell that breaks down bone tissue, by 20%, which may contribute to its bone-enhancing efficacy. However, more high-quality, up-to-date research is needed.
Allergies and Side Effects
Although almonds are rich in essential nutrients, they may not be suitable for everyone. First and foremost, people with allergies to almonds or nuts should avoid almonds altogether. Also, since they are high in calories, it’s best not to overdo it on serving sizes if your goal is to lose weight.
Keep in mind that almonds can go bad, so be sure to check for signs of spoilage before eating them. Black mold spots, unpleasant smells, and bitter tastes are all some of the signs that your almond bag may be past its best.
