I am a huge fan of peanut butter but have recently switched it out with almond butter because I have heard so many rave reviews. I have always loved eating almonds I just haven't had it in this form. So far it tastes great and feels great! Not as tastey as peanut butter but not bad. All natural peanut butter and all natural almond butter are both great choices in controlled amounts but when it comes down to it the almonds beat out the peanuts. Check out these great benefits to eating almonds.Especially if you expend a lot of energy and work out hard, this is a great snack choice for you!
*Eating almonds in moderation promotes lower cholesterol levels, prevents heart disease and can help with weight loss.
*Almonds are a great source of vitamin E, with 25g providing 70 percent of the recommended daily allowance. They also have good amounts of magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, fiber and are a good source of healthy monounsaturated fat. They contain more calcium than any other nut which makes them great for vegetarians who do not eat any dairy products.
*They also contain amygdalin, also known as laetrile or vitamin B17, the controversial anti-cancer nutrient.
Heart-healthy
Almonds contain several phytochemicals including beta-sisterol stigmasterol and campesterol which is thought to contribute to a healthy heart. A handful of almonds a day helps reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering LDL, or ‘bad’ blood cholesterol by as much as ten percent.
Weight Loss Aid
For many years almonds were considered ‘fattening’. However, studies, including the Nurses’ Health Study and the Physicians’ Follow-up Study showed those who ate the most nuts tended to have lower body mass indexes. Although almonds are high in fat and calories, eating them in moderation can actually help with weight loss.
One study comparing two groups of dieters eating the same amount of calories found the group eating 500 of their calories from almonds lost more weight. One theory is that almond cell walls may limit the amount of dietary fat available for digestion, or for absorption. Therefore, it is a possibility that a small portion of the calories from almonds may not be completely absorbed by the body. Either way, replacing a given amount of calories in the diet with almonds will not equal the same in weight gain.
High Protein Source
As almonds are high in protein, around 18 percent, and contain virtually no carbohydrates, they are ideal for diabetics, pre-diabetics or anyone with blood sugar issues.
Anti-inflammatory and Anti-spasmodic
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, almonds are considered anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, emollient and are also used as a tonic. They are also known as brain and bone food, probably due to their high calcium content. They help with alkalinizing the blood and relieve chi stagnation in the liver.
In Ayurvedic medicine almonds are used to strengthen ojas and are said to nurture self control and calmness of the mind and nerves.
Snack ideas with almond butter
-Almond butter and honey on whole wheat
-Almond butter in fruit smoothies
-Almond butter on fruit or veggies
Sugar-free Almond Butter, Oatmeal and Banana Cookies
Ingredients:
•1/3 cup almond butter (little guy’s allergic to peanuts)
•2 ripe bananas
•1 teaspoon vanilla
•2 tablespoons unsweetened vanilla almond milk
•2 tablespoons maple syrup (grade B has more nutrients)
•2 1/2 cups rolled oats (you can grind some of these int he food processor if you don’t want the cookies to be too chunky)
•dash cinnamon
•1/4 cup flour (whole wheat or sprouted spelt for healthier)
•3/4 cup raisins, craisins, or grain-sweetened chocolate chips (if desired)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease cookie sheets.
Use a mixer to beat the bananas, almond butter, almond milk, vanila and maple syrup until smooth. Add the remaining ingredients and stir until well combined.
Drop by tablespoons onto greased cookie sheet and flatten slightly with a fork. Bake for 13-16 minutes or untl golden brown on the bottoms.
Yes, they’re sugar-free, vegan and healthy. But don’t hold that against them
No comments:
Post a Comment