Discover the amazing weight loss benefits of almonds, how to best prepare them, and how much you should eat to get the most benefit from almonds, one of nature’s amazing fat burning foods.
We think of almonds as nuts, but they are actually seeds from the fruit of the almond tree. However, much like a peach pit found in the center of a peach, these seeds are encased in a shell in the almond fruit.
Covered by a hard shell, the meat of the almonds is whitish in color, with a thin, ribbed, brown skin. That’s why we call them nuts: they’re chewy like walnuts, have the same consistency as walnuts, and are good for you, too!
Almonds can be divided into a couple of basic types. Almonds can be sweet or bitter. The ones we eat are sweet almonds. These oval-shaped almonds are malleable and have a buttery flavor. They can be purchased with or without shells in stores. Additionally, you can purchase whole, sliced, sliced, blanched (without skin), or unblanched almonds.
There are toxic substances in bitter almonds and they cannot be eaten. However, they undergo careful processing and are used in the production of almond oil.
Almond oil (almond extract) is used as a food flavoring; It is also used to make liqueurs such as Amaretto. When almond oil is processed, all the toxins are removed.
Almonds can be purchased year-round at supermarkets, health food stores, and whole food markets.
Benefits of almonds to burn fat
In addition to being delicious, almonds are very beneficial for your health, they can even help burn fat.
Almonds have calories as well as fat, but it’s the good fat, the monounsaturated fat, that lowers cholesterol and helps prevent strokes and heart attacks.
In addition to being a good source of dietary fiber, almonds are packed with nutrients, including vitamin E, manganese, potassium, magnesium, tryptophan, copper, riboflavin, and phosphorus.
Almonds contain fiber that helps to lose weight and maintain weight loss. This may be because the fiber in almonds helps fill you up, making you feel fuller, so you eat less. Additionally, fiber aids digestion, provides energy, bulks stools, and speeds up the process of eliminating toxins from the body.
The tryptophan found in almonds also helps you feel full and satiated. You will most likely eat less at this meal and at subsequent meals.
Tryptophan causes serotonin to be released in the brain. This makes you feel good, helping to control mood and combat stress.
Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, is found in almonds. In addition to helping lower cholesterol and provide heart protection, vitamin E helps improve circulation, promotes proper blood clotting and wound healing, relieves PMS, and may protect women from developing some types of breast cancer .
Phosphorus is contained in almonds and is necessary for bone health, growth, development and repair. Present in white blood cells, it also stimulates sexual function, makes vital nutrients available to nerves, and is essential for brain and muscle tissue. Phosphorus supplies energy, aids in the digestion of proteins and also in the breakdown of sugar.
Manganese provides energy by metabolizing fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. In addition, it keeps blood sugar levels stable and is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system as well as for the proper growth, development and repair of teeth and bones.
Almonds contain magnesium which increases circulation and oxygen levels in the system. Additionally, magnesium protects you from free radical damage, increases energy, and helps keep your bones, arteries, and heart healthy. Magnesium helps in the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates; it also improves digestion.
The potassium found in almonds lowers blood pressure, regulates water balance in cells, keeps muscles strong, and releases energy from fats, carbohydrates, and proteins during metabolism. Additionally, potassium can help protect you from obesity and the development of heart problems, diabetes, and kidney disease. It works to keep the intestines moving and removes toxins from the body. In addition, potassium relieves stress and reduces confusion and irritability.
Riboflavin, a B vitamin, facilitates the conversion of food into energy within the body. It also promotes the growth of strong hair and nails, and may be helpful in treating carpal tunnel syndrome and cataracts. Additionally, riboflavin is necessary for the production of neurotransmitters, which are helpful in providing health and emotional well-being.
Copper facilitates nerve function and bone growth, as well as helping the body use sugar properly. Along with vitamin C, it produces elastin, a connective tissue. Additionally, copper is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect us from dangerous free radicals and helps lower our chances of having a heart attack or stroke.
Almond Preparation
It is possible to buy packets of almonds at your local supermarket. You can find them sold in bulk at whole food and health food outlets.
If you buy large quantities, make sure the vendor has a regular rotation of their bulk items so you can be sure the almonds are fresh. Check nuts, which should be stored in a covered container, for insects or debris. Walnuts that are wrinkled, loose, or discolored should be avoided. Smell the almonds; what you want is a sweet, nutty smell. If they smell rancid or bitter, don’t buy them!
Store almonds in an airtight container that is placed in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposing them to heat and light, especially direct sunlight. If refrigerated, they will keep for a few months; if frozen, they will last about a year. Keep in mind that chunked or sliced almonds will go rancid faster than whole almonds. Shelled almonds will last longer.
How to chop almonds: To easily chop almonds, place them in a food processor and use the pulse function. However, be careful not to run it too long. If you do, you’ll end up with almond butter.
How to remove the skin from almonds: It is possible to remove the skin from almonds by discoloring them quickly. As soon as the skin begins to swell, remove it. Drain and rinse with cold water. Lastly, use your thumb and forefinger to pinch. You should then be able to remove the skin with ease.
As for the recipes, you can eat them raw on their own. Plus, sprinkling whole, sliced, or chopped almonds on salads makes them taste great. By mixing almonds with a variety of fruits and nuts, you can create your own trail mix.
Did you pulse the almonds too long and end up with almond butter? You can add that to a breakfast or protein shake for a great taste sensation.
Some other ideas include chicken almond salad, green beans with sliced almonds, cold rice salad with currants, almonds and peas. Adding sliced almonds is a great way to enhance any vegetable dish. Almonds combined with fruit and yogurt provide a quick and healthy snack.
There are a plethora of dessert options that contain almonds. Here are just a few delicious dessert ideas: Pear-Almond Calfoutis with Red Wine Glaze, Almond Biscotti, Almond Rice Crackers (low fat), Almond Granola, Raspberry-Almond Torte, Cheesecake with toasted almonds.
How much should be eaten?
A handful of almonds, or about 1/4 cup, is the average serving size. When a recipe calls for the use of almonds, follow the recommended serving size and ingredient measurement. A single serving of dry roasted almonds has 206 calories.