“Just a handful of almonds,” said every diet tip list ever. You may be sick of hearing it, but I’m here to tell you the perfect snack is… A HANDFUL OF ALMONDS (especially if they’re Smoky Chipotle Almonds 😉 ). Here are four reasons to start loving almonds, and why you should be preaching to everyone to get their handful.
1. They Are Jam Packed With Nutrients
There is a reason they are the go-to snack when you’re looking to live a healthier lifestyle. They are packed with all the right nutrients. With every handful of raw almonds, you’re supplying your body with the following:
- 3 grams of Fiber
- 6 grams of Protein
- 14 grams of Fat (Hello keto dieters!)
- 3 grams of net Carbohydrates
- 161 calories
In addition, you’ll get a significant portion of your daily value of vitamin E, manganese, magnesium, as well as some copper, vitamin B2, and phosphorus. They’re nutritious and they’re filling. Exactly what you want in a healthy snack.
2. They Can Help Regulate Cholesterol Levels
They not only increase the good cholesterol, HDL, but they lower LDL cholesterol. One study suggested that daily consumption of almonds substituted for a high‐carbohydrate snack, may be a simple dietary strategy to prevent the onset of cardiometabolic diseases in healthy individuals.
3. They Have Tons of Antioxidants
They are a great source of antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that defend your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals can cause a state called oxidative stress which can be responsible for damage within your cells. One study showed that eating almonds with your main meals reduces oxidative damage. Another study , done with 60 smokers, showed eating almonds reduced oxidative stress by up to 34% over four weeks!
4. They’re High in Vitamin E
Most Americans do not get enough vitamin E in their diets! The body needs vitamin E to boost its immune system and help widen blood vessels to prevent blood from clotting. Just one ounce of almonds will provide you with 37% of your daily recommended value.
There you have it! Just a few reasons to jump on the “handful of almonds” train. If you’re not a fan of them when they are plain, give our Smoky Chipotle Almonds a try! These are a great, savory snack. The Chipotle gives them a nice, but not too-hot bite that lasts! And, to make them extra special – like we do ALL of our products – we never use cheap, harmful oils.