Though almonds have long been criticized for their high fat content, they’re beginning to take the spotlight. Their fat content is mainly ‘good fats’ which help promote a healthy heart. Almonds are also loaded with vitamins,and minerals to boost your immune system, and to prevent cancers. Here’s exactly how almonds have obtained their rank as a superfood:
- Mono and Polyunsaturated Fat – These types of fat help to lower LDL, or “bad” cholesterol. Unsaturated fats increase LDL receptor, and protein activity, allowing the LDL to become processed faster by your liver. Decreasing LDL cholesterol can help to reduce heart disease and the risk of heart attack.
- Vitamin E – This vitamin is not only a cofactor for many enzymes in our bodies, but is also a very powerful antioxidant. Vitamin E can fight inflammation and reduce the ability to form blood clots, even further decreasing the possibility of heart disease and attack.
- Flavonoids – Because almonds grow inside a fuzzy fruit, the skin still retains a large amount of flavonoids. Flavonoids are phytonutrients that act as antioxidants to destroy free radicals. Almonds have a particularly high amount of anthocyanin and quercetin, which help to prevent stroke, UTIs, inflammation and cancer.
In addition to the many health benefits of almonds, many sources have even noticed a correlation between eating one serving a day and weight loss. Sliced over a salad, tossed with granola, blended into a butter, or even just a handful raw, almonds are a snack you love that loves you back.