almonds, raw (organic, 100gm)

Description

almonds

30g= 20 nuts

• Are a rich source of essential fats- almonds have a monounsaturated fat content of 66% of total fat, and very low levels of ‘unhealthy’ saturated fat (7% of total fat). They are free from trans fats and dietary cholesterol
• almonds contain:

• plant sterols which help lower blood cholesterol levels by lowering reabsorption of cholesterol in the intestine
• polyphenols which help prevent the oxidation of cholesterol
• have a high anti-oxidant capacity- oxidation causes damage to the cells in our body and is believed to be an important factor in the development of disease such as heart disease, cataracts, macular degeneration
• a 30G serving of almonds provides:

• 70% of the DRI of Vitamin E, which is an important fat soluble vitamin and anti oxidant
• 70mg of calcium which is 7% of the DRI
• 6g of plant protein, particularly the amino acid- arginine- which is converted to nitric oxide in the body which helps blood vessels to dilate and remain elastic
• plant iron
• plant zinc
• 10% of the DRI of dietary fibre
• The addition of almonds to a meal can reduce the rise in blood glucose which occurs after eating therefore reducing the GI of the meal