Your Health Detective



Health Benefits of Almond Flour 2 of 35 Principle Health Benefits of Almond Flour1. Boosts Heart HealthMore than 65 percent of the fat in almond flour is monounsaturated, which is excellent for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and good overall heart health. Additionally, scientists find that almond consumption can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by keeping blood vessels healthy.Study subjects consumed 50 grams of almonds daily for a month, and the results were highly positive for their heart health. Whether you’re eating whole almonds, almond flour or almond meal, this research out of the U.K. shows that eating almonds significantly increases the level of antioxidants in the bloodstream, improves blood flow and reduces blood pressure. All of these health markers are key to a properly functioning heart and can reduce the likelihood of heart disease. 2. Helps Discourage Cancer FormationResearchers at the University of California conducted a study to evaluate the effect of almonds and almond meal on colon cancer cells. They found that whole almonds and almond fractions reduce aberrant crypt foci in an animal model of colon cancer. Aberrant crypt foci are clusters of abnormal tube-like glands in the lining of the colon and rectum and are some of the earliest colon changes that may lead to colon cancer.According to the study’s authors, the results suggest that almond consumption can decrease the risk of colon cancer and almonds’ high healthy fat content is related to its anticancer ability. This research shows why almonds are among the best cancer-fighting foods around.3. Aids in Managing Blood Sugar for DiabeticsA 2006 study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that for healthy individuals, almonds decrease postprandial glycemia (post-meal blood glucose levels), the presence of insulin in the blood and oxidative damage. Researchers gave subjects controlled meals based either around almonds, potatoes, rice or bread. They found that participants’ blood sugar and insulin decreased after eating the almond meal. Antioxidant levels in the blood also increased after the almond meal. In general, almonds are a smart choice as part of a low glycemic, diabetic diet plan, which can help decrease the incidence of diabetes incidence as well as the risk of coronary heart disease.4. Encourages Healthy WaistlinesA randomized, 24-week study published in the International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders evaluated the effects of almonds versus complex carbohydrates on 65 adults who were either overweight or obese. Half of the study participants consumed a low-calorie diet plus three ounces of almonds per day. The other half of the group ate a low-calorie diet plus their choice of complex carbohydrates each day. Both groups consumed the exact same number of calories and protein.When the study concluded, the almond-eaters showed a 62 percent greater reduction in weight, a 50 percent greater reduction in waist circumference and a 56 percent greater reduction in fat mass compared with the carb-consuming group. Researchers also concluded that their findings suggest that a low-calorie diet, including almonds, improves health issues (like obesity) associated with metabolic syndrome. 5. Improves Energy LevelsThe combination of healthy fats, macronutrients and micronutrients make almond flour an excellent energy booster. Specifically, the flour contains energy creators like riboflavin, manganese and copper. The riboflavin (vitamin B2) in almonds plays an essential role in energy production, red blood cell creation, cellular function, growth and development. It also contains the trace minerals manganese and copper. These two minerals are crucial co-factors of an enzyme called superoxide dismutase. This key enzyme deactivates free radicals in the mitochondria (power generators within our cells), which ensures that our energy keeps flowing. When you use almond flour as part of a generally healthy recipe, it doesn’t just taste good, but it can provide a steady source of fuel that also won’t make your blood sugar spike.The Basics – MacroNutrients A quarter-cup of almond meal contains 138 calories and provides 7 percent of your daily caloric intake in a 2,000-calorie diet. Most of these calories come from almond meal's 12 grams of fat. This unsaturated fat not only provides energy to fuel your cellular metabolism, but also positively affects your cardiovascular health by reducing the level of harmful cholesterol in your bloodstream. A serving of almond meal also provides 5 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber. As a result, almond meal contributes to a high-fiber diet, which also promotes cardiovascular health.Minerals for your MetabolismAlmond meal supports your cellular metabolism because of its mineral content. It provides significant amounts of copper and magnesium – two minerals that activate enzymes your cells use to produce useable energy. Copper supports the strength of your connective tissues, while magnesium helps you make the DNA required for cell reproduction. A quarter-cup serving of almond meal contains 64 milligrams of magnesium – 20 percent of the recommended daily intake for women and 15 percent for men – and 245 micrograms of copper, or 27 percent of the recommended daily intake.Vitamin E for Skin HealthAlmond meal also serves as an excellent source of vitamin E, a nutrient that maintains skin health and helps avoid/delay premature skin aging. It functions as an antioxidant, which means it offers natural sun protection by neutralizing toxic chemicals that are created when your skin is exposed to the sun. Vitamin E also plays a role in cell communication, and also helps support proper immune-system function. A quarter-cup serving of almond meal provides you with 6.1 milligrams of vitamin E, or 41 percent of your recommended daily intake.Cooking with Almond MealAlmond meal provides a gluten-free alternative to flour for gluten-free cooking. Because almonds are also low in carbohydrates compared to wheat, almond meal also works as a low-carbohydrate alternative to wheat flour; especially great for diabetics and those fighting candida yeast. Use it in place of flour for breads, muffins and pancakes for a healthful treat. Alternatively, use a spoonful of almond meal to add texture to Greek yogurt, or stir it into your morning oatmeal. ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download