Nuts About Almonds

We're nuts about almonds! It's a food that offers exceptional nutritional value but relatively few calories. Yes, almonds are relatively high in calories, but all calories are not created equal.

Almonds (and other nuts, olives, olive oil, and avocados) get their calories from monounsaturated fat, a substance that actually decreases your risk for heart disease and may protect against certain cancers and diabetes as well. That's why recent research recommends eating an ounce of almonds (a handful, or about 23 nuts) a day.

The same research shows that this tasty addition to your diet does not lead to weight gain, either. How can that be? One theory is that because almonds are so fibrous, their fat is not completely absorbed by the body. Or it may be that almonds provide the perfect combination of nutrients (protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, and minerals) to actually curb your hunger and help you eat less overall. Whatever the explanation, one thing's for sure: Almonds have earned their special place on the our Power Diet Food list.

Source: SonomaDiet.com