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Featured today on Fiber Focus Friday is the astonishing and incredible almond! Almonds are an amazing food and a staple to any weight loss oriented fiber-focused diet. This post is going to focus on the types of almonds, fiber content, almond health benefits, the history of almonds, and it will even discuss some fun facts about almonds!

Before you go any further consider checking out this article on why we should be eating high protein foods in general. Getting into a high protein diet is the way to go when considering ways to lose weight.

As always, please comment with any questions or suggestions for future foods to be featured!

The Almond Quick Fact Card

Almond Health Benefits

 

Types of Almonds

Almonds come in several different varieties that you can choose from to obtain the amazing benefits of eating almonds. The different types of almonds are listed below:

  • Roasted and Salted- In the Fiber Guardian’s humble opinion this is the best and most enjoyable way to enjoy almonds and still reap their excellent health benefits. You can find a bag of these in most grocery stores, and wonderful makes an excellent version!
  • Raw Almonds- Basic almonds that pack all the of the punch that nature offers.
  • Almond Flour- This is a great substitute for normal flour and is packed with the original goodness of almonds that includes being high in fiber, protein and antioxidants.
  • Chocolate-covered almonds- These almonds are still really good for you because you are still eating the entirety of the nut, but don’t go overboard with consumption here because chocolate is high in sugar!
  • Flavored almonds such as blueberry, raspberry, and strawberry made by Blue Diamond. Habanero BBQ is a crazy flavor, as well as Wasabi and Soy Sauce! These flavors might taste good like the chocolate covered almonds, but again be careful not to over do it!

Fiber Content of Almonds

A 28 oz serving of almonds has just under 4 grams of fiber. If you get really greedy and decide to eat a bunch of almonds all at once, 1 cup of almonds has about 11 grams of fiber. No need to overindulge though, as one handful of almonds is all it takes!

Adding almonds to your diet is an excellent way to edge closer to your goals for daily fiber intake! If you are like most Americans, you need to eat more fiber. Start by adding almonds, and continue working in other high fiber foods as well.

Almond Health Benefits

Almonds may taste awesome and it seems almost wrong to think that they might be good for you. But it is true that almonds have a plethora of health benefits. They are one of nature’s amazing superfoods and go a long way in aiding you in your nutritional goals, whatever they might be. The following list includes some of the most amazing of almond health benefits:

1) Almonds pack a lot of protein power at 6 grams per serving (28 oz). They are a great addition to your diet if you are into weight lifting, but any diet can benefit from a little added protein. Protein is a great nutrient to seek out because it, along with fiber, can help to curb your appetite and reduce the amount of calories you consume in one day.

2) Almonds are high in fiber. Fiber is an excellent nutrient to focus on when you trying to lose weight as it does a great job helping you to feel fuller for longer.

3) Almonds are very low in calories at only 161 per serving. Calories are not the essential thing to focus on when trying to lose weight, but it is helpful to know that adding almonds to your diet won’t fill up your daily requirements. To further this, almonds are not even fully broken down by your system so about 10-15% of the calories are not even absorbed by the body.

4) Almonds can control blood sugar. Almonds are high in magnesium which is a great nutrient that helps to regulate glucose levels.

5) Consuming almonds can reduce your risk of heart disease by helping to lower LDL cholesterol levels.

Where Do Almonds Come From?

where do almonds come from? An almond tree of course!

An Almond Tree!

If you are really into almonds you might be wondering “where do almonds come from anyways!?” The answer is the almonds originated in the middle east and that they actually come from almond trees in the form of a seed of an underdeveloped fruit!

However, nowadays almonds are now mostly produced in California in the US. California actually produces 80% of the worlds crop, but other countries such Turkey, Iran, and Spain cultivate almonds as well!

You can even Grow Your Own Almonds if you want, but it will take at least 5 years of patience and hard work!

Nutrition Facts/Fun Facts About Almonds

  • Almonds are actually seeds that come from an inedible fruit.
  • 90% of Almond fat is unsaturated and healthy for you.
  • The outer shells of almonds are not consumed by humans and are actually utilized as cattle feed around the world.
  • Almonds are in the peach family.
  • Almonds are one of the lowest calorie nuts!
  • Almond milk is a great way to enjoy the delicious flavor of almonds. The health benefits of almond milk are readily apparent, and it is a great way to switch from regular whole milk!

Awesome Recipes With Almonds

Final Thoughts on This High Fiber Super Food 

Almonds are one of the best foods you can add to your existing diet. They are full of health benefits and can be eaten with abundance. Next time you go to the grocery store be sure to pick up a bag!

For more, see this fantastic resource by hair loss revolution below:

What are your thoughts? Do you like almonds? Do you have a favorite recipe or a favorite way to eat almonds? Let me know in the comments below and have a great day!

-Jordan