Why are almonds good for you?

Almonds are often touted as "the most healthy" nut - which is very unfair to all the other wonderful nuts and the nutritional benefit you can get from them. But, it is true that almonds are amazing for a range of reasons...

1. High in nutrients: Almonds are high in protein, relatively high in fat and low in carbohydrates. This means they are good for issues relating to blood sugar levels and for diabetics. The high amount of fibre (about half of the total carbohydrate) means that they break down slowly - which is great for healthy digestion and also another plus for diabetics.
2. Loaded with antioxidants: Almonds contain one of the highest proportions of antioxidants (but still not as many as pecans!). These protect our cells from oxidative stress and thereby help protect us from inflammation, ageing and diseases like cancer. Studies have shown that almond consumption helps reduce at least two different inflammation markers.
3. Highest concentration of Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a family of fat soluble antioxidants, and almonds are possibly the best food source in the world for it (less than a handful - 28g - gives you nearly half of the RDA). Vitamin E has been linked in studies to lowering the risk of heart disease, cancer and Alzheimers disease. Vitamin E is also essential for skin health.
4. Magnesium: Almonds are extremely high in Magnesium, which is used in over 300 bodily processes including blood sugar management. Over a quarter of people with Type 2 diabetes are also low in Magnesium - studies have shown that including almonds in your diet helps reduce the spike in blood glucose and insulin levels after meals.
5. Magnesium, again: Magnesium is also significant in managing blood pressure levels. Those with low Magnesium in their system always have high blood pressure with it.
6. Cholesterol: Almonds have been shown to help lower LDL (the "bad" one) cholesterol. Not only that, but they also help prevent the harmful oxidation of LDL cholesterol.

So the bottom line is there are a whole host of reasons to boost your almond consumption. Of course, what isn't mentioned here or in scientific studies, is the pleasure you get from eating highly nutritious AND delicious food. Your taste buds celebrate together with the rest of your system as you eat quality, tasty, health-promoting food, and that can only act to increase the nutritional benefit of the food itself.

Sources:

healthline and best for nutrition