Almonds are nutrient powerhouses. Almonds can be consumed whole, chopped, sliced, or ground into almond flour or almond butter. They can even be made into almond milk. This deliciously satisfying nut truly deserves its superfood status. Here are six research-backed almond benefits and simple ways to incorporate these healthy nuts into meals, snacks, and treats.
Almonds Are Nutrient-Rich
One ounce of almonds, which is about a quarter cup or 23 whole nuts, provides a generous amount of heart-healthy fat, along with 7 g of plant protein, 4 g of filling fiber (13% of the daily minimum), 20% for magnesium, B vitamins, and smaller amounts of calcium, iron, and potassium.
Magnesium plays a role in nerve and muscle function, keeps the heartbeat steady, and helps bones remain strong. It also supports a healthy immune system.
Crucially, one ounce of almonds provides half of the daily target for vitamin E (7 mg of 15 mg recommended). Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage that can lead to premature aging and disease. The vitamin also supports immunity, reduces inflammation, helps widen blood vessels to improve blood flow, and is linked to protection against neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer’s.
They’re Packed With Antioxidants
As mentioned above, the vitamin E content makes almonds a vital source of antioxidants. Much of the antioxidant content in almonds is concentrated in their brown layer of skin.
A 2020 review of the health-promoting benefits of almonds describes almond kernels as rich in fat, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. Almonds, the researchers write, are used for their natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The abundant antioxidants contained in almonds play an important role in protection from chronic diseases. The frequent consumption of almonds has been associated with a reduced risk of various diseases, including obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
Almonds Can Help Gut Health
Both raw and roasted almonds have been found to act as prebiotics, which serve as food for the beneficial bacteria in the gut linked to immunity, anti-inflammation, and mental health. In a 2016 study published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, college students were randomly assigned to snack on almonds or graham crackers.
After eight weeks, researchers observed that the almond eaters experienced important changes in their gut microbiome makeup, including a decrease in a pathogenic (disease-causing) bacterium and an increase in the diversity of bacteria tied to positive outcomes. These positive outcomes included weight management, insulin function, cholesterol regulation, and anti-inflammation.
They Keep Your Heart Healthy
Almonds protect your heart in several ways. According to a 2018 study in Nutrients, the nuts have been shown to maintain or increase “good” heart-protective HDL cholesterol, while lowering “bad” LDL levels.
Almonds and other nuts also help reduce blood pressure and improve vascular function, meaning they help blood vessels relax and reduce artery stiffness.
In a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, people with high cholesterol were divided into two groups that were randomly assigned to a cholesterol-lowering diet that contained either 1.5 ounces of almonds, or the same number of calories from a nut-free muffin. After two weeks the nut eaters experienced a reduced LDL while maintaining HDL. The almonds eaters also had reductions in belly and leg fat.
Almonds Can Aid Weight Regulation
The consumption of tree nuts, including almonds, has been shown to reduce body mass index, or BMI (a measure of weight compared to height) and reduce waist measurements, according to a 2015 study in Nutrition Journal. In addition to the participants being satiating, the study found that the combo of healthy fat, plant protein, and fiber in almonds boosts feelings of fullness and delays the return of hunger.
Also, a 2012 study found that you actually get about 20% fewer calories from almonds than the labels state. That’s because some of the calories are not absorbed from the digestive tract into the bloodstream.
They’re Good for Skin
We know that good fats support skin health, but almonds may actually help turn back the clock when it comes to skin aging. In a 2019 randomized controlled study in Phytotherapy Research, healthy postmenopausal women were divided into two groups. For 16 weeks one group consumed 20% of their daily calories as almonds, and the other ate the same percentage as non-almond fare.
A facial photograph and image analysis system was used to assess wrinkle width and severity at the start of the study, and then eight and 16 weeks later. Researchers found that the almond group had significantly decreased wrinkle severity and width compared to the non-almond eaters. Not a bad perk for a tasty food with so many additional benefits!
How To Add More Almonds to Your Meals
Almonds are an easy portable snack as is, but they can also be incorporated into meals:
- Whip almond butter into a smoothie, drizzle it over overnight oats, or use as a dip for fresh fruit or as the base for energy balls—combined with add-ins like minced dried fruit, chopped dark chocolate, spices, and seeds.
- Coat baked or sautéed fruit with a crumble topping made from almond butter, a touch of maple syrup, rolled oats, and cinnamon.
- Sprinkle almonds onto a salad, cooked veggies, or a stir-fry.
- Use almond flour in place of bread crumbs to garnish lentil soup, spaghetti squash, or hummus, or in place of all-purpose flour in pancakes and baked goods.
- You can also toss veggies with a savory almond butter sauce made with veggie broth, minced garlic, fresh grated ginger, and crushed red pepper.
