All about almond
If you committed to eating healthier this new year, chances are you are not alone. New year resolutions focused on living a healthy lifestyle are some of the most common resolutions made throughout the world.
Almonds are a nutrient-rich food, packed with protein, fiber, vitamin E, calcium, copper, magnesium and riboflavin.
What is an almond? FRUIT or SEED?
An almond is the edible seed of a drupe (a fleshy fruit with a single hard seed inside) from the almond tree, Prunus dulcis, technically making it a seed, not a true nut, though commonly called a tree nut. Rich in protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, almonds are a popular nutritious snack and ingredient, eaten raw, roasted, or used in sweets like marzipan.
Nutritional Value
It is a calorie-dense food but also nutrient-dense with the majority of its fat being monounsaturated. One ounce provides about 165 calories, 6 grams protein, 14 grams fat (80% monounsaturated, 15% polyunsaturated, and 5% saturated), 6 grams carbohydrate, and 3 grams fiber.
How many almonds should I eat in a day?
For most adults, a daily serving of about 20-25 almonds (around 1 ounce or 28-30 grams) is a good target for overall health.
Production
Almond production is dominated by the USA (California), followed by Australia and the EU, requiring warm, dry summers and mild winters,
with harvest typically August-September after flowers bloom in early spring; the process involves cultivation,
harvesting when hulls split, and mechanical hulling/shelling, but faces scrutiny for water usage, driving innovation in sustainable farming.
Key benefits of Almond
Heart Healthy:
It is a calorie-dense food but also nutrient-dense with the majority of its fat being monounsaturated. One ounce provides about 165 calories, 6 grams protein, 14 grams fat (80% monounsaturated, 15% polyunsaturated, and 5% saturated), 6 grams carbohydrate, and 3 grams fiber.
May Support Healthy Blood Sugar Levels:
It is a calorie-dense food but also nutrient-dense with the majority of its fat being monounsaturated. One ounce provides about 165 calories, 6 grams protein, 14 grams fat (80% monounsaturated, 15% polyunsaturated, and 5% saturated), 6 grams carbohydrate, and 3 grams fiber.
Almonds Have High Vitamin E:
It is a calorie-dense food but also nutrient-dense with the majority of its fat being monounsaturated. One ounce provides about 165 calories, 6 grams protein, 14 grams fat (80% monounsaturated, 15% polyunsaturated, and 5% saturated), 6 grams carbohydrate, and 3 grams fiber.
Good for Individuals With Anaemia:
It is a calorie-dense food but also nutrient-dense with the majority of its fat being monounsaturated. One ounce provides about 165 calories, 6 grams protein, 14 grams fat (80% monounsaturated, 15% polyunsaturated, and 5% saturated), 6 grams carbohydrate, and 3 grams fiber.