They are crunchy, delicious and so good for you.
They are crunchy, delicious and so good for you.
Nuts may be high in fat and calories, but a growing body of research shows that people who eat them tend to be leaner and have a lower risk of many diseases compared to those who don’t. Studies in The New England Journal of Medicine have even found that eating a handful of nuts a day could extend your life.
Among nuts, almonds are one of the most nutritious. Here are four legitimate reasons to incorporate them into your diet.
1.Almonds are a great source of protein. The Health Promotion Board recommends that women have 58g of protein a day. This is necessary to build and maintain muscle, which is essential for a healthy metabolism (read: your ability to burn fat). A 100g serving of almonds contains 21g of protein, comparable to an equivalent serving of fish.
2.They may help you lose weight. Besides being rich in protein, almonds are high in fibre, with a whopping 12g per 100g serving. Both protein and fibre increase satiety, so you’ll feel full for a longer time. The next time you need to munch, reach for a handful of almonds instead of carbohydrate-rich cookies. You’ll save some calories and satisfy your tummy instantly.
3.They are beneficial to your heart. Almonds are high in monounsaturated fats, a type of good fat that’s associated with a lower risk of heart disease because it reduces bad cholesterol levels in the body. Almonds are also loaded with vitamin E and magnesium, nutrients that are known to boost your heart function.
4.They can protect you from diabetes. Eating foods that are high on the glycaemic index, such as white rice and white bread, causes your blood sugar levels to spike, increasing your risk of type-2 diabetes. Research has shown that adding almonds to your meals can reduce the overall glycaemic index, on top of providing disease-fighting antioxidants. Eat them whole, or chop them up and sprinkle over salad or pasta.
TASTY NUTS To experience the goodness of almonds, try Tai Sun’s Honey Roasted Almonds, available at major supermarkets. Tai Sun’s range of products includes Roasted Cashew Nuts, Roasted Peanuts and California Pistachios. For more details, visit www.taisun.com.sg.
