Eat Almonds for Health

Almonds have a long history of satisfying hungry snackers, and for good reason; they are nutritious, delicious, keep us feeling full and are available year round!

Almonds have a long history of satisfying hungry snackers, and for good reason; they are nutritious, delicious, keep us feeling full and are available year round!

In the US, we get most of our almonds from California. Almond trees were originally brought to California hundreds of years ago when missions were created by the Spanish, but the missions were later closed and the trees were left. Almond trees appeared again in California in the 1800s via trade routes from Europe and were first planted in New England, but the harsh climate did not support the trees. They were then brought to California again where currently over 500,000 acres are planted with almond trees.

Almonds are a healthy snack! In fact, eating almonds has the same effect as cholesterol-lowering drugs. A quarter cup of almonds is a great source of vitamin E and magnesium, and offers protein, fiber, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and iron in about 200 calories.

Almonds may lower LDL cholesterol, and they seem to help block the body’s absorption of both fat and carbohydrates. This has numerous implications for diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. The fiber structure of almonds may be the mechanism behind this phenomenon; reducing the calories available from the almonds themselves. Almonds may slow the absorption of carbohydrates into the body, helping to create a slower rise in blood sugar levels – and therefore help to keep insulin levels in check.

Almonds also help us feel fuller longer; this may be due to their high fiber content. Studies conducted at Purdue University showed that adding nearly two servings of almonds to a person’s diet did not cause them to gain weight or body fat, but rather led them to decrease their total caloric intake. This is because they did not consume more calories overall but kept the same levels of consumption despite adding almonds to their diet.

How to properly store almonds?
Due to their high oil content, nuts are prone to spoilage, especially if stored improperly. Nuts should be stored in opaque, airtight containers and kept in a cool, dry place. The opacity protects nuts from light, and the tight seal reduces the absorption of moisture and odors. Proper storage not only maintains freshness but also lets nuts retain their nutritional value.