Almonds are one of the most nutrient-dense nuts available. Often considered a superfood by many dietitians. But what makes organic pasteurized almonds a superfood? How can including them in your diet benefit your health?
Almonds are very protein-rich, with about 21 grams of protein per 100-gram serving of almonds. That is about 42% of the average recommended daily intake. Humans need around 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight daily. So, eating almonds is a great way to ensure you hit those figures.
Protein is essential to the optimal function of our bodies. Protein powers our bodies by giving fuel to our cells. As cells die off, protein helps to build new ones. It also repairs damaged tissues and carries oxygen throughout the body. To build muscle and bulk up, try snacking on almonds after a gym session or adding them to your smoothies for an extra protein boost.
Vitamin E helps in the maintenance of healthy skin and eyes. It also strengthens the body’s immune system so you can better fight off infection. Almonds are a fantastic natural source of Vitamin E. It’s always better to get your vitamins directly from a food source than a supplement; almonds are one of the best ways to do that. There is around 63mg of Vitamin E per 100-gram serving of almonds. That is 171% of the recommended daily intake.
Vitamin E also has antioxidant properties, which protect your cells against the effects of free radicals.
Since almonds are high in healthy, monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, they can help reduce the risk of heart disease. That’s because almonds help lower LDL levels (aka bad cholesterol) in your blood. A study found that diets where 20% of the caloric intake came from almonds help lower LDL by 12.4mg/dL.
Almonds increase the number of antioxidants in the bloodstream, which helps to improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure, ensuring that your heart can continue to function at its best.
Nuts are notorious for their brain-boosting benefits. But almonds take the cake! Organic pasteurized almonds contain riboflavin and L-carnitine, which are vital to optimal brain function. Including almonds in your diet can reduce brain inflammation and even lower your risk for Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia.
If you’re trying to lose weight or reduce the risk of obesity, you might want to consider upping your almond consumption. Almonds are relatively low in calories but high in fiber. They will fill you up quickly and help you feel full for longer without needing to consume a large number of calories. Eating organic pasteurized almonds will stop you from overeating, and since they contain so many essential nutrients, you can be sure your body is still getting everything you need.
Almonds are high in L-carnitine, which helps the body convert fat into energy. Therefore supporting a healthy metabolism to keep weight under control.
Another benefit of the high fiber in almonds is that they are great for the gut. There are about 12 grams of fiber per 100-gram serving of almonds, which helps to keep things running smoothly.
Almonds are a good source of prebiotics. Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients, such as plant fiber, that promote the growth of good bacteria inside the gut and intestines. If you want to get the most out of the prebiotics in almonds, then make sure to consume the skins. Studies have shown that after six weeks of consuming almonds and their skins, patients saw a substantial increase in Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus, both of which are healthy bacteria for your gut.
Choosing organic, pasteurized almonds will help you avoid ingesting harmful chemicals and exposure to pesticides and artificial preservatives. Since almonds don’t have an outer shell, nothing can protect them from pesticides. Due to their high oil content, they absorb more pesticides than many other nuts. So, always aim to choose organic!
There is even an effort to use healthy foods to reverse the exposure to harmful chemicals. For example, new treatments for asbestos exposure include adding almonds to a diet.
Many people think fatty foods are unhealthy, but this isn’t the case. Our bodies require healthy fats to help absorb vitamins like Vitamin E, Vitamin D, and Vitamin A. Since these vitamins are fat-soluble, they cannot be absorbed by your body unless you consume fats. But you must be consuming the correct type of fats.
Luckily, almonds are packed with healthy monounsaturated fats. These fats also help to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.
Pasteurized almonds will keep for much longer than unpasteurized. When stored in an airtight container, organic pasteurized almonds can keep for up to six months and even longer if kept in the fridge. That means you can purchase them in bulk, saving you money and ensuring that you always have almonds on hand for snacks or recipes.
Due to the fresh oils on the almond’s exterior, unpasteurized almonds will go rancid in as little as a few weeks. On top of that, there are some minor dangers when consuming unpasteurized almonds. Unpasteurized almonds can harbor food-borne diseases like Salmonella, so almonds legally must be pasteurized in the United States.
Almonds can help to control and even lower your blood sugar levels, which can help prevent diabetes. That is due to the high magnesium levels. High blood sugar levels can cause the body to lose a lot of magnesium through urine, making those with diabetes more likely to experience a deficiency. Since almonds are so high in this valuable nutrient, they can help replenish the magnesium in people with type 2 diabetes.
On top of that, magnesium also helps regulate muscle and nerve functions and blood pressure.
Incorporating organic, unpasteurized almonds into your diet is super easy. There is no preparation required. you can dig your hand into the bag and start snacking. You can incorporate them into your favorite recipes, make your own almond butter, or enjoy them to reap the benefits of this fantastic superfood.
While the USDA currently does not allow unpasteurized almonds to be grown, America is importing them. We can help you on this website if you want bulk raw almonds. If you are looking for unpasteurized almonds, they are mostly grown in Spain.
