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The Ugly Truth about Almonds

The main problems with almonds from a sustainability standpoint are water and pesticide use. An enormous amount of water is needed in the production of almonds. It takes 1.1 gallons of water to grow a single almond and roughly 1,600 gallons to produce one liter of almond milk. California grows almost 100% of almonds in the U.S. and has been in drought for most of the last decade. A disproportionate 10% of the agricultural water supply in California is devoted to growing almonds. California’s water supply comes from three main places: snowpack, reservoirs and groundwater. Groundwater is relied upon much more heavily during droughts when the snowpack and reservoirs are depleted. As droughts increase,…

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Afternoon Snack: Sprouted Almonds

We're fans of the almond around here--not only are they filled with heart-healthy nutrients, there's also practically a gazillion ways to eat them...

Almond milk: quite good for you – very bad for the planet

Sales of the non-dairy milk alternative are on the rise. But the super-healthy nuts – mostly grown in drought-hit California – need millions of litres of water to be produced. Think twice before you pour it on your cereal

Almonds are out. Dairy is a disaster. So what milk should we drink?

A glass of dairy milk produces almost three times more greenhouse gas than any plant-based milk. But vegan options have drawbacks of their own

Almonds For Skinny Snackers? Yes, They Help Curb Your Appetite

According to the findings of fresh research published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people who added 1.5 ounces of almonds to their diet each day reported reduced hunger, and they compensated for the extra calories from nuts by eating less at other times of the day.

Harvard’s Nutty Idea: Cracking Into the Almond Market

Almonds’ high protein levels and other nutritional benefits have caught on with rising numbers of health-conscious consumers. Food manufacturers have also come up with more varieties of almond products in recent years, from almond milk to cereals to desserts and baked goods.

How Almonds Went From Deadly To Delicious

We don't need pine wood to turn almonds sweet anymore. Most almonds produced today are naturally tasty and safe to eat. Back then, though, many were bitter and poisonous. Even today, consuming 50 — or fewer — wild, bitter almonds could potentially kill an adult, and just a handful contain enough cyanide to be lethal to a child.

I ate only almonds for 2 days straight. It changed my metabolism

Seeds and nuts often get a bad rep in the diet and health food industry for the heavy amount of fat and calories that they contain—but according to science-backed research, nuts, specifically almonds, may actually help in weight loss. Almond butter, compared to other nut butters, offers numerous health benefits, including better digestion and heart health, making it a healthier snack alternative.

In praise of almonds and nuts

To sum up: nuts appear at first glance to have all the features allowing them to be considered allies of our health. While they are calorie-rich and high in fats, a 30g serving per day seems to cut “bad cholesterol” and protect us from cardiovascular disease, without affecting our weight. There are plenty of theories that suggest they a positive impact, both on other illnesses and warding off cognitive decline associated with age. Plenty of good reasons to recommend everyone to include a handful of almonds, hazelnuts or other nuts in the food they eat each day – obviously without added sugar or salt!

It's Time for an Almond Intervention: There Is Such a Thing as Eating Too Many

It turns out you can eat too many almonds. It doesn't matter if they're whole or used as a substitute like almond flour or almond milk. Overconsumption of any type of food, even healthy nuts, can counteract your health or weight-loss efforts. And when they're used as substitutes, they might even contain more calories.

Nuts are surprisingly great for your health. But which are the best?

Almonds rank near the top of just about every nutritional scientist's list when it comes to nuts that offer great health advantages. For one, Tobias says they contain more fiber than any other nut—a whopping 17.9 grams in a single cup. Fiber can lower your risk of cancer and type 2 diabetes and aid in weight control.

Should I Eat Almond Butter?

A standard 2-Tbsp serving of plain almond butter has 196 calories, about 7 grams of protein and a bunch of fat—about 18 grams. That’s just fine with Kristin Kirkpatrick, a registered dietitian and manager of Wellness Nutrition Services at Cleveland Clinic’s Wellness Institute. “Almond butter is a dieter’s best friend due to its lack of carbs and its abundance of protein and healthy fat—both fill you up and keep you satisfied,” she says.

The Perfect Snack Does Exist, According to Science

And scientists and studies agree there is a near-perfect option out there for (almost) everybody: almonds. (Of course, if you’re allergic to almonds or tree nuts, this isn’t for you.) Many people have stayed away from almonds, be it as a snack or as part of a meal, because they could be considered high-calorie for their size. But you need to examine the bigger picture when it comes to this myth. For example, a study from the USA and a study from Australia found that people on weight management who regularly ate almonds actually lost weight on average rather than gaining it.

The Skin Benefits of Almonds, Because, Yes, There Are Many

Almonds are rich in many vitamins for the skin, including vitamin E. Here, we break down the benefits of almonds for the skin, according to experts such as a dermatologist, cosmetic chemist, and nutritionist.

Why almonds are good for you

High-protein almonds are ideal for sating the appetite in a healthy way. They are rich in monounsaturated fats; much research now links this type of fat with a reduced risk of heart disease. These nuts are one of the richest sources of vitamin E, which seems to protect against UV light damage and Alzheimer's disease.

Resources

5 Genius Ways to Use Almonds

A new Penn State study concluded that swapping a carb-y snack for an ounce and a half of almonds (about 33 whole nuts) helped lower “bad” LDL cholesterol, as well as reduce both belly and leg fat (impressive!).