Superfood Spotlight: Almonds

What You Should Know: Almonds are finally getting their time in the sun: long shunned for their “high fat content” (remember the low-fat craze of the 80s?), this little powerhouse is now being touted as one of the true miracle foods that nature has to offer. A relative of the peach and apricot, this tree nut is native to the Mediterranean and is known to be one of the earliest cultivated tree nuts in history. Depictions of almonds appear in the artwork and scriptures dating as far back as 3,000 BC – and were even found in King Tut’s tomb! Since then, it has been used from everything from flour to milk to a grab-and-go everyday snack.

Why You Should Try It: Almonds are an excellent source of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant. They are also rich in B vitamins, fiber and the essential mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids that are responsible for lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol. New research has even shown that a serving of almonds per day can aid in weight loss efforts. Just a handful of these tiny treats may even reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes – and with a nutritional profile of merely 160 calories per ounce and 6 grams of high-quality protein, it’s a snack anyone can sneak into their lives on a daily basis!

Let’s Get Together: Allergy? Almonds are the kings of substitution. Almond flour (like the variety from Bob’s Red Mill) is a fantastic substitute for gluten-free baked goods, and can pump up the nutritional value of everything from cookies to pie crusts. If you’re allergic to peanuts but cannot bear the though of life without a PB&J, almond butter will soon become your new favorite pantry staple. One word of caution: look for a variety that lists nothing more than almonds (and salt, if desired) in the ingredients, as extra sugar and syrups can turn this otherwise healthy choice into junk food in disguise. Our brand of choice? Maranatha.

To reap the benefits of this superfood instantly, raw almonds are an easy non-perishable snack to tote around wherever you go! When we’re looking for a new take on the classic, we reach for a bag of Sally’s Smart Almonds in fun flavors like Orange Ginger and Key Lime. But our favorite way to indulge our almond cravings? Pressed Juicery Almond Milk!