Are Almonds All They’re Cracked Up to Be?

Posted on : June 28th, 2017

group-of-almond-nutsAlmonds get a lot of attention as a healthy, nutritious snack that’s easy to take on the go. If you’re trying to stay healthy, you might wonder if they offer everything people say. You have a lot of choices when it comes to the food you eat, and you want to make the right ones to keep yourself and your family healthy and happy. Fortunately, almonds are one of the best options you have!

Small but Powerful

The humble almond is like most other nuts; it offers a lot in a small package. Almonds provide plenty of energy in the form of protein and healthy fats. There are six grams of protein in every ounce, and 13 grams of mono and polyunsaturated fats. Just a handful of almonds or a few tablespoons of almond butter can help you avoid that mid-afternoon slump. Take almond products with you when you travel, too; they’re compact and convenient.

Helping Your Heart

Almonds and pure almond butter contain no cholesterol and only a single gram of saturated fat per serving. That means they won’t contribute to clogged arteries and higher blood pressure. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also says that eating 1.5 ounces of almonds or almond products per day could reduce your risk of heart disease.

Vitamin-Rich and Ready to Go

Ounce by ounce, almonds contain more fiber, protein, and calcium than any other tree nut. They also offer more vitamins, like niacin, riboflavin, and vitamin E. They make a great source of other nutrients as well, including phosphorous, copper, magnesium and manganese. Instead of hitting the vending machine, consider having a sliced apple with a spoonful of an all-natural almond butter like Maisie Jane’s. You’ll enjoy it just as much and your body will thank you.

Right for Special Diets

Dietary restrictions mean rearranging your entire way of eating. That can make it pretty difficult to get the calories and nutrition you need on a daily basis. Almonds and almond butter offer a peanut-free, gluten-free and vegan way of keeping your energy up when you can’t resort to conventional foods. Almond butter is also a wonderful choice if you keep kosher.

Not All the Same

Not every nut is created equal, however. Some almonds are roasted with hydrogenated vegetable oils. These oils are high in trans fats, which can be dangerous for heart health. Many kinds of nut butter contain not just hydrogenated oils, but high levels of salt, sugar or fillers. These almonds aren’t quite as healthy as they could be. Many are also genetically-modified or processed using GMO ingredients.

The right almond products are made with 100% dry-roasted almonds. That means there are no extra oils, just the healthy natural fats you’d find in a raw almond. Products like Maisie Jane’s almond butter also contain no salt, no sugar, no wheat and no fillers. They’re made of pure, non-GMO certified almonds, ready to use in all your favorite recipes (or just to eat with a spoon!)

Almonds Could Boost Your Health

If you’ve been wanting to get healthier but haven’t been sure where to start, consider almonds. They’re a great component of a healthier lifestyle. They could even help you lose weight. Choosing almonds instead of a sugary snack helps you feel full longer and avoid an energy crash. That makes them a perfect fuel, whether you’re behind a desk or embarking on a 5k run.

You can also add almonds to just about any recipe to give them a vitamin boost. Think about sprinkling sliced almonds on your morning hot or cold cereal. Include almond butter in your recipes to make the ideal stir fry sauce or marinade. Bake with almonds and almond butter; they make delicious cookies, breads, cakes and more.

Are almonds all they’re cracked up to be? It depends on the nut! Natural, minimally processed almonds and almond product without extra ingredients are nutrition powerhouses. When GMO ingredients and hydrogenated oils get into the mix, almonds get a little less healthy. That’s why it’s so important to choose a safe, natural, healthy alternative like Maisie Jane’s. The right nuts could take you a long way!

6 Almond Butter Recipes

Maisie Jane’s California Sunshine Products, Inc. was founded on strong beliefs and passion for offering unique, flavorful, top-quality, nut products. We strongly believe in earth-friendly practices that start on our family owned and operated orchards. We use Organic farming practices and continue in the process by using all natural ingredients with no preservatives or GMOs. We believe in honest, friendly and helpful customer relations at all levels. We take pride in every task, every day, with every person.