ALMOND FLOUR – USES AND HEALTH BENEFITS

Almonds, known scientifically as Prunus Dulcis are seeds gotten from the almond tree. They originated from the Middle East, India, and North Africa and are now found in places like Iran, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Israel, and the United States. Almond is readily found in the market either as a sweet or bitter taste based on your choice.  Whether you decide to buy from a store or grind it by yourself, Almond flour as gotten from Almonds is highly nutritious, low in carb, and better than wheat flour. A simple process of bleaching (turning into white) Almonds in boiled water to remove the skin, grind and sieved into fine flour, is all that is required to produce Almond flour. Note that the basic difference between Almond flour and Almond meal is texture. Almond meal is coarser flour because it is made by grinding Almond with their skins intact. For people on physical activities, who prefer a low carb diet but rich in protein, Almond flour is perfect to add to your recipe.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF EATING ALMOND FLOUR;

RICH IN NUTRIENTS, MINERALS AND VITAMINS

With its many nutrients, Almond flour contains vitamin E and magnesium, which are very important for our health. The vitamin E that is contained in Almond flour acts as an antioxidant in our body and helps prevent free radicals which accelerate aging and increased risk of heart disease and cancer from damaging our health. Several studies have confirmed that with increased intake of vitamin E, the rate of coming down with a heart disease and Alzheimer will be greatly reduced. Magnesium, on the other hand, is also abundant in Almond flour and helps in maintaining improved blood sugar control, reduce insulin resistance, and lower blood pressure amongst other benefits. In one ounce (28g) of Almond flour there are 163cal of Energy, 14.2g of Fat, 6.1g of Protein, 5.6g of Carbohydrate, 3g of Dietary Fiber, 35% RDI of Vitamin E, 31% RDI of Manganese, 19% RDI of Magnesium, 16% RDI of Copper, and 13% RDI of Phosphorus.

IDEAL FOR BLOOD SUGAR

Almond flour is better than other conventional flour towards the regulation of blood sugar as it has low carb, high fat and fiber, and rich in magnesium. These nutrients make Almond flour low in glycemic index, releasing sugar slowly into the bloodstream and provide the required body energy as well. Most type 2 diabetes patients have been diagnosed with magnesium deficiency and choosing to correct this imbalance with Almond flour is a better way to reduce blood sugar while improving insulin function. It can also; help people that have a low level of magnesium or normal levels but are overweight regain improved insulin function.

FREE OF GLUTEN

Recall that gluten is a type of protein found in wheat flour and this is what helps wheat dough stay stretchy and fluffy during baking. For people who are suffering from celiac disease, their body interprets gluten as harmful and so responds to remove it from their body. This kind of response can cause diarrhea, weight loss, skin rashes, bloating, and tiredness. They, therefore, cannot eat foods with gluten. Conversely, Almond flour is gluten-free and as such a better alternative to wheat flour used in baking.

MAY HELP IN LOWERING LDL CHOLESTEROL AND BLOOD PRESSURE

What we eat has a major role in controlling blood pressure and “bad” LDL cholesterol. These two are the leading cause of heart disease, and Almond flour is quite beneficial in controlling the two killer risk markers due to magnesium contents in it.

Other health benefits in Almond flour include ensuring stronger bones and teeth, prevent brain damage, and promote satiety.

Lastly, Almond flour can be used to produce low carb recipes like Bran Muffins, Cheesy Garlic Bread, Almond Buns, Almond Flax Bread, etc. Nutritionist recommends Almond flour for our diet and is a better alternative to other flours.