The almond
Taste and texture are a critical aspect of food enjoyment. The lower carb baked goods that are available today are very dry and have a noted aftertaste that is displeasing to many. Almond Glory products have a unique texture from the ground almond, which is perceived as substantive, very moist, and is also subtly naturally sweet. Its appearance is speckled (from the ground whole almonds) and the foods have a “gourmet look” to them.
In addition to being a low glycemic food, almond flour is high in protein, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. Almonds are found to be allergenic in only about 1% of the population. *1 Nutritionists are finding nuts to be a healthy part of a balanced diet, and the almond appears to provide the greatest health benefits and taste.
Almond nut meal/flour is very moist due to the natural healthy oils found in the nut. This natural fat reduces the amount of fat needed in the recipes and creates a pleasing taste. In addition, the natural healthy fat create very moist baked goods that even hold its moisture when frozen for longer periods of time unlike wheat flour, soy flour or other traditional grains. Almonds are made up mostly of protein and good fats.
Almond facts:
One quarter of a cup (30 grams) of almonds contain 180 calories (third least of all nuts listed), 7 grams protein (second only to the peanut in nuts listed), 15 grams of fat with only 1 gram saturated fat (the lowest of all nuts listed) 9 grams of monosaturated fats and 0 mg of cholesterol, 5 grams total carbohydrate with 3 grams being fiber (highest of nuts listed) and only 1gram of sugars. The almond is the highest source of calcium, magnesium, alpha-tocopherol, vitamin E, and antioxidants. It is also high in iron, phosphorus, and potassium.*2 Almonds are naturally an alkaline food helping our bodies maintain a healthy Ph level.
Almond science in a nut shell:
A number of studies have been conducted on the health benefits of almonds for obesity, heart disease and cancer. Studies have looked at the type of fat found in the almond. They found that almonds may be a lower calorie food than suspected because not all the calories from the fat are absorbed. *3 Other studies suggest that almonds may have a future role in treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes .*4 Yet in other studies found that daily eating of almonds (about 1-2 ounces per day) lowered the LDL cholesterol, and improved the HDL levels significantly. *5 Almonds are being considered as a possible viable treatment for the reduction of cholesterol and reducing coronary heart disease risk factors with the effect as equal to that of early drug therapy.*6 The naturally occurring anti-oxidants in almonds inhibited early stage colon cancer in animal studies. *7 The antioxidants activity also showed an improved immunity in chemo therapy patients.*8
The Amazing Almond:
Nature has an abundance of health promoting nutrients all in a single almond. Almonds contain high quality and highly absorbable protein to vitamin E and various minerals that are essential for bone and muscle health. Calcium, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus have been implicated in maintaining bone mineral density. Almonds are comparable to skim milk and cheddar cheese in the quantity of these bone-building minerals provided in one serving. Other protein sources like chicken, beef, peanut butter, and eggs do not offer the same levels of these minerals.
Emerging research demonstrates that the combination of dietary fiber with protein contributes to overall satiety and therefore may play a role in controlling caloric intake. Most protein sources do not provide dietary fiber such as is found in almonds. Peanut butter, cheese and eggs, for example, are good sources of protein but do not supply dietary fiber.
So enjoy the rich flavors of your daily Almond Glory bagel, muffin, or scone knowing that you are at the same time promoting a healthy lifestyle.
For more information on the amazing almond link to: almondsarein.com