We know nuts are healthy! And we know almonds are healthy! What we don’t know is that almonds have health benefits – apart from improving your memory (which is not its primary function, BTW). Buying the best quality almonds ensure that their nutrition profile is top notch, helping you absorb all its nutritive goodness efficiently. Read on, to know how eating almonds (the right way) can change your health in the minutest ways possible. 

SATIETY:

Almond is a concentrated nutrition food. It is called the “energy booster” and “vitalizer” due to the hoard of nutrients it contains. The 21% protein and 49% fat content is excellent to maintain satiety and keeps you feeling full for atleast 2.5-3 hours after eating them.

Best consumed: Almonds are best eaten with a fruit, especially if you are a Diabetic, to lower its Glycemic Index. 

RELIEVES STRESS/ ANXIETY

Almonds contain a good portion of essential brain and nerve strengthening minerals like Magnesium, Phosphorus, Copper and Calcium. These nutrients help maintain nerve function and relieves stress, anxiety, memory loss and depression.

Best consumed: A handful of Mamra Almonds or California Almonds (about 15pcs) with 1 tsp honey as first intake in the day, or as a replacement for dinner. 

HORMONE HEALTH

Eating almonds is shown to increase Estrogen production in the body. Estrogen is a feel good hormone, and helps in reducing temper episodes and keeps your mood consistent through the day. Eating almonds also helps regulate Insulin secretion, which controls blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels are consistent, there are less chances of a drop in energy level, keeping you feeling active through the day.

Best consumed: 5-7 pcs of overnight soaked plain almonds with breakfast. 

REDUCES SUGAR CRAVINGS

As mentioned above, almonds with their high omega 3 content and protein content keep the Insulin levels in check. Insulin is a hormone that is responsible for transporting sugar from the blood into the cells. When there is a regulated Insulin release, the cells are consistently supplied with “sugar” energy molecules that keep up their function. This reduces the need for additional meals (hunger pangs) or sugar (sweet cravings) to be eaten.

Best consumed: 5-7 pcs of overnight soaked plain almonds first thing on waking up. 

REDUCES FAT CRAVINGS

Almonds have a whooping 49% of fat content. Most of this is Mono-unsaturated and loaded with omega 6 fatty acid that help the body maintain its lubrication. Eating this reduces the need to eat a fat rich meal or dessert that can in-turn lead to weight gain and other lifestyle diseases.

Best consumed: 5-7 pcs of plain, flavoured or salted almonds with a fruit at snack time 

We often miss that nuts, especially almonds, in general are not a free food. Eating them mindlessly reduces its nutritive benefits and makes it a fat building machine. Knowing your time of the day, and your portion sizes each time helps you to enjoy these beauties, while helping you stick to your health goals. It’s time you try your favourite almond flavor, and never go back to the processed namkeen again. The guidelines mention above are generalized ones, make sure to consult your doctor or nutritionist if you have a specific health goal in mind. 

Written By Nutritionist Dhvani Shah for Go Nuts!!