Almonds: A Nutritional Powerhouse for Your Health and Wellness!

Almonds, the age-old superfood, are loved by all. It's hard to come across someone who doesn't relish the taste of almonds!

The craze for almonds can be traced back to 1400 B.C. when they were mentioned in the Bible. Later, almond trees found their home in modern-day Spain, Morocco, Greece, and Israel before making their way to California. However, it wasn't until the 20th century that the California almond industry flourished. Today, almonds grow on over half a million acres and are the state's most significant agricultural export.

If you happen to spot an almond on a tree, you'll hardly recognize it in comparison to the ones you usually toss into your salads and trail mix. Almonds are encased in a hard, green shell that cracks open just before harvesting. After harvest, they are dried, and the shell and hull are removed, revealing the little brown nuts that you know and love.

Almonds are now available in various forms such as whole, sliced, slivered, or chopped, along with almond flour, milk, paste, or oil. Each type boasts its unique flavor and is loaded with health benefits.

Don't miss out on the goodness of almonds, try incorporating them into your daily diet today with some of Nommy’s tried and tested recipes!

What are the Benefits of Almonds?

• Boosts heart health: Almonds are a rich source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are known to reduce cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease.

• Promotes weight loss: Despite being high in calories, almonds can actually aid in weight loss. The fiber and protein in almonds help keep you feeling full, reducing the urge to snack throughout the day.

• Supports brain function: Almonds are an excellent source of vitamin E, which has been linked to improved brain function and a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease.

• Regulates blood sugar: Almonds have a low glycemic index, which means they don't cause a significant spike in blood sugar levels. This makes them an ideal snack for those with diabetes.

• Strengthens bones: Almonds are rich in calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, all of which are essential for strong and healthy bones.

• Nourishes skin: The vitamin E and antioxidants in almonds help protect your skin from damage caused by UV rays, pollution, and other environmental factors.

• Boosts energy: Almonds are a great source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making them the perfect snack to boost your energy levels throughout the day.

With so many health benefits, it's no wonder almonds are a popular snack.

The side effects and health risks of Almonds?

While almonds are generally safe to eat, it's important to note that individuals who are allergic to tree nuts may have an allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis, when consuming almonds. Additionally, eating too many almonds can lead to weight gain, just like with any other food. So, it's important to watch your portions and incorporate almonds into a balanced diet.

What are the best ways to select and store Almonds - related products?

• Almond Flour: Look for natural almond flour, which is made from whole almonds, or almond flour that's made from blanched almonds. You can find them near other flours in the baking section of large grocery stores or in natural-food stores. Keep almond flour in your pantry if you plan to use it quickly or store it in the fridge or freezer for longer storage. 

• Almond Meal: Almond meal is produced by grinding almonds that still have their skin on, whereas almond flour is made from blanched almonds that have had their skin removed. The primary distinctions between the two are their texture and the presence of almond skin in the meal. 

When purchasing an almond meal, look for a brand that uses high-quality almonds and uses a fine grind. This will ensure that your baked goods have a smooth texture and aren't too gritty. To store almond meals, it's best to keep them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. This will help prevent the natural oils in the almonds from going rancid and ensure that your almond meal stays fresh for longer. 

• Almond Milk:  You can choose between shelf-stable or refrigerated almond milk. If you opt for the shelf-stable variety, refrigerate the carton after opening it. Note that almond milk is low in calories, protein, fat, and fiber compared to whole almonds. It's a good low-calorie base for smoothies but won't provide the same satiating power as regular almonds. Some brands offer almond milk with added pea protein for a protein boost.

• Almond Butter: You can find this near the peanut butter at your grocery store. Choose one that contains only almonds, and consider grinding your own almond butter on-site at some natural foods stores. Almond butter is pricier than peanut butter, but it's a nice addition to your nut butter rotation if your budget allows for it. 

Almonds are not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. They are packed with healthy fats, proteins, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. Whether you prefer snacking on whole almonds, using almond flour in your baking, or adding almond milk to your smoothies, there are many ways to incorporate almonds into your diet.

And if you're looking for some tasty recipes to try out with your almonds, be sure to check out the links below for some inspiration. 

So go ahead and enjoy the goodness of almonds in your meals and snacks, and discover all the amazing ways you can incorporate them into your diet!