Almonds-Eat More

Almonds are a superfood. What do we mean by that? Superfoods are packed with nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins and fiber. All essential for EverythingHealth. I'm here to tout the benefits of eating a handful of almonds every single day.

One ounce of almonds gives you fiber (3.5gm), protein (6gm), fat (monounsaturated), vitamin E, manganese and magnesium. Wait...that's not all. Almonds also contain copper, vitamin B2 and phosphorous. Are you worried about the fat? Studies show the some of the fat in almonds passes through undigested. Eating almonds will not make you fat.

What are antioxidants? Antioxidants protect against oxidative stress which damages cells, contributes to aging and cancer. Almond skins are loaded with antioxidants so raw almonds are the best to eat. A clinical trial of 60 male smokers found oxidative stress markers were reduced by 23-34% over a four week period if they ate 3oz of almonds a day.

Almonds are one of the highest sources of Vitamin E, a fat soluble antioxidant that will build up in your cell membranes and help protect against heart disease, Alzheimers and cancer.

Almonds are a perfect snack choice for people with diabetes or metabolic syndrome. They are low in carbs and high in healthy fat, fiber and magnesium. Interestingly, 25-38% of people with type 2 diabetes are low in magnesium and correcting this deficiency can improve insulin resistance and blood sugar control. Magnesium is also important for blood pressure control. A number of studies have also shown almond benefit for reducing LDL (the bad) cholesterol. No need to take vitamin pills. Eat a handful of almonds instead and get some fiber.

But aren't nuts fattening? Foods that contain healthy fats are not the cause of our obesity epidemic. In fact, a number of studies have shown that eating nuts do not cause increased weight. A study of 100 overweight women showed those consuming nuts lost more weight than those on a nut-free diet. Waist circumference improved as well as other health markers.

Heres another tip. EverythingHealth buys our almonds at Trader Joes. For $5.99 you can score a lb of raw almonds. At least for now that price has not gone up, unlike other food items everywhere. Fingers crossed because we eat a handful of almonds every day for the health benefits.