Anyone looking for healthy snacks has probably been told that nuts are a solid option. There is a wide variety to choose from. Almonds are one of the most popular nuts to eat, and for good reason. Not only are they delicious, but they are also nutritious, offer multiple health benefits, and can be fairly versatile for a nut. So just how good are they for you?

Nutritious

Almonds are quite nutritious, especially for something so small. One ounce of almonds, about the same as ¼ cup, or 23 almonds, offers 6 grams of protein, 6 grams of carbohydrates, 13 grams of fat (mostly monounsaturated fats), 3 grams of dietary fiber, and 1 gram of sugar, for a total of 152 calories. In addition to the macronutrients, almonds are a great source of vitamin E and B2, manganese, and magnesium. The healthy fats, fiber, and protein, as well as the vitamins and minerals, make almonds a nutritious choice. Given how many calories you get in a serving of almonds, it’s easy to eat too many, but measuring them out can help you avoid that.

Health Benefits

There are some health benefits that the nutrition content of almonds offers. Eating almonds can help you lower your cholesterol, maintain a healthy weight, lower blood pressure, improve bone health, support gut health, and reduce the risk of blood sugar spikes after eating. One study suggested that eating almonds, peanuts, and walnuts could be related to a reduced risk of breast cancer as well.

Ways to Eat Them

One of the beautiful things about almonds is how versatile they can be in terms of ways to consume them. You can eat them whole and plain as a snack, if you like. You can roast and candy them, if you want to use them as a sweet, relatively healthy treat. Almonds also make an excellent garnish for dishes like the Nut and Berry salad at The Nauvoo, oatmeal, and cereal. You can even use almond flour as an ingredient for baking if you want an alternative to wheat flour. Almond cakes, in particular, utilize almond flour instead of wheat flour and can be a delicious, light dessert. From snacks to garnishes, to desserts, almonds are a lovely addition to many dishes.

If you want a healthier snacking option, almonds are one choice that is definitely worth considering. At least, as long as you don’t have a nut allergy. Almonds do pose a minor choking hazard to young children and some older people who may have a hard time swallowing properly, but other than that, they are a great snack option for just about anyone.

The Nauvoo offers delicious, handcrafted, nutritious dishes that make lunch a meal worth looking forward to. Click here to view our menu today!