An almond may look like an ordinary nut. You may assume that it offers a nice crunch and a tasty flavor but little else. You would be wrong—the almond is a powerhouse of nutritional benefits. It’s one of the top natural foods in Poplar Bluff, MO. Following are a few of their amazing health benefits and how to properly access them.
That’s right—you may be missing out on some of the benefits of almonds if you fail to unlock them. Read on to discover the secrets of unleashing the full power of the almond.
Good Taste and Good for You
Almond products have soared in popularity due to their health benefits. Store shelves are now stocked with almond milk, almond butter, fresh almonds and a variety of other almond treats. They taste great, and they are great for you.
Almonds are good for you because they are packed with nutrients. They are rich sources of fiber, protein, vitamin E, manganese and magnesium. They are also packed with antioxidants, which protect the body’s cells from damage, aging and disease. The nutrients found in these nuts are good for heart health, controlling blood pressure and managing diabetes.
Unlocking Even More Benefits
As if almonds didn’t already offer enough health benefits, they can deliver an even more powerful punch if consumers do one simple thing: soak them. Almonds have a special enzyme inhibitor that prevents all the nutrients from entering your system. If you soak them before eating them, you unlock the rest of these nutrients. The water deactivates the enzyme inhibitor and brings the almond to life.
The inhibitor naturally protects the almond from pests and the elements, but it also prevents the nut from fully breaking down during digestion. To reap the full benefits, soak almonds in cold water in the fridge overnight.
Nutrients vs. Calories
There is a potential downside to this soaking method. By deactivating the enzyme inhibitor, you also release more calories. Without soaking it first, eating a raw almond actually results in absorbing fewer calories than the nut is estimated to provide. The enzyme inhibitor creates this reduction. However, when you remove that inhibitor, the full calorie intake occurs.
Of course, the tradeoff is additional nutrients. Plus, eaten in moderation, almonds are still a great healthy option, even with all of their calories present. It’s really a win-win situation. Whether you eat them raw or soaked, you can enjoy many health benefits offered by this delicious food. It’s no wonder people are nuts about them!
Learn More Secrets
Almonds aren’t the only food that offers secret nutrient powers. To learn more about which natural foods in Poplar Bluff, MO can benefit your health and how best to consume them, contact the experts at The Bee Hive Natural Foods. A haven for local health enthusiasts, The Bee Hive Natural Foods offers a complete selection of natural and organic foods and products, homeopathic supplies and much more. We carry gluten-free and lactose-free products, organic produce, meats and dairy products as well as soy products. Consult with our knowledgeable staff today to discover a host of health secrets.