Eat A Handful Of This Nut Daily For Weight Loss, Gut Health & More

June 19, 2023

Known for both their buttery taste and crunchy texture, almonds are a versatile ingredient often added to sweet and savory dishes alike. They are also a great source of essential nutrients and offer a host of health benefits.

We reached out to a few experts to learn more about the top science-backed benefits of almonds, plus how they stack up against other nuts.

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Though they are often referred to as a nut, almonds are technically a type of seed derived from almond trees. These trees are native to western Asia but are now grown and cultivated around the globe. Compared to some other types of nuts, almonds come with a slightly steeper price tag, which is due to both their popularity and the labor-intensive harvesting processes required.

In terms of appearance, almonds are light brown and oval-shaped, with a smooth outer shell. They have a rich, nutty flavor that lends itself well to a wide range of recipes, adding an extra crunch to salads or bringing a tender texture to baked goods. They also make a healthy snack as is and can be enjoyed roasted, raw, or salted.

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• Calories: 164
• Fat: 14.1 grams
• Saturated fat: 1.1 grams
• Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
• Sodium: 0.3 milligram
• Carbohydrates: 6.1 grams
• Dietary fiber: 3.5 grams
• Protein: 6 grams
• Vitamin E: 7.3 milligrams
• Manganese: 0.6 milligram
• Magnesium: 76.5 milligrams
• Copper: 0.3 milligram
• Riboflavin: 0.3 milligram
• Phosphorus: 136 milligrams

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Almonds are especially high in monounsaturated fats, including oleic acid, a type of heart-healthy fat that may help regulate body weight2, food intake, and metabolism. They’re also a great source of vitamin E, a micronutrient that doubles as an antioxidant to boost immune function3 and ease inflammation.

Compared to other nuts, almonds fall somewhere in the middle in terms of calorie and fat content. Walnuts4, for example, pack about 185 calories and 18.5 grams of fat into each 1-ounce serving. Meanwhile, cashews5 only contain around 155 calories and 12.4 grams of fat per ounce.

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1.

They could keep cholesterol in check.

Adding almonds to your snack rotation could be beneficial for lowering cholesterol levels. “Almonds contain heart-healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fats that have been linked to lowering ‘bad cholesterol’ or LDL levels in the body,” says Huma Chaudhry, R.D., LDN, a clinical dietitian. According to Chaudhry, almonds also contain more fiber per ounce than other tree nuts, which may help lower cholesterol levels.

One study in adults found that snacking on whole roasted almonds daily for six weeks led to a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol levels6 compared to snacking on a less healthy control snack (muffins). Another review concluded that eating around 1.5 ounces of almonds per day could decrease total and LDL cholesterol7, along with several other risk factors for heart disease.

Summary

Thanks to their healthy fats and fiber, almonds have been shown to reduce levels of LDL (“bad cholesterol”) when eaten in place of less nutritious snacks.

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2.

They may help balance blood sugar levels.

“Almonds are a great blood-sugar-balancing snack,” says Desiree Nielsen, R.D., a dietitian and author of Good for Your Gut. She explains that the combination of fiber, fat, and protein can promote a slow, steady rise in blood sugar levels when eaten alone or paired with other foods high in carbs, such as fruit.

Interestingly, one study showed that eating 2 ounces of almonds per day for 12 weeks could decrease hemoglobin A1c8—a marker of long-term blood sugar control—in adolescents and young adults at risk for diabetes. What’s more, a 2023 study found that eating around 1.5 ounces of almonds daily enhanced insulin sensitivity9, which could improve the body’s ability to use insulin to manage blood sugar levels.

Summary

Clinical research shows that eating almonds can help with both blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity in those who are at risk of diabetes.

3.

They could be beneficial for weight loss.

Though almonds may be high in calories, they could actually be good for your waistline. That’s because almonds boast a good amount of protein, fat, and fiber in each serving, which could support satiety and help keep you feeling fuller for longer, according to Chaudhry.

One analysis of 28 studies found that almond consumption could be linked to reductions in both body weight10 and fat mass. In another study, eating almonds as a midmorning snack increased subjective feelings of satiety11 compared to not eating a snack. Not only that, but participants consumed the same amount of calories throughout the day, regardless of whether they ate 1 or 1.5 ounces of almonds.

Summary

Since they’re a good source of filling protein, fat, and fiber, almonds make for a satiating snack that can help you eat fewer calories during the rest of the day.

4.

They can help keep your heart healthy.

Almonds make a great addition to a heart-healthy diet, thanks to their stellar nutritional composition. “Almonds contain multiple nutrients associated with heart health, including potassium, which is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure, as well as vitamin E and monounsaturated fats,” Nielsen tells mindbodygreen.

Research suggests that regularly snacking on nuts could even help ward off heart disease. According to one review, increased consumption of nuts was associated with a reduced risk of total cardiovascular disease12 and coronary heart disease. In another analysis, researchers concluded that eating more nuts could also be tied to a lower risk of developing and dying from heart disease13.

Summary

Almonds—and nuts in general—are packed with nutrients that can reduce your risk of developing or dying from cardiovascular diseases, research finds.

5.

They are rich in antioxidants.

Almonds are a great source of antioxidants, which are compounds with health-promoting properties that can fight inflammation14 and chronic disease. They’re especially high in vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that can protect against oxidative damage15 to cells.

One study found that eating almonds could improve antioxidant levels16 in the blood while also reinforcing the body’s antioxidant defense system. A 2018 animal study also showed that supplementing with almonds could help delay or prevent memory problems17 in rats, thanks to their potent antioxidant properties.

Summary

Almonds contain antioxidants that protect against inflammation and cell damage. The antioxidants in nuts may also help prevent cognitive decline according to early animal research.

6.

They can enhance gut health.

The health of your digestive tract plays a central role in just about every other aspect of health. In fact, it’s believed that the gut microbiome—which encompasses the trillions of microbes housed in the intestines—could be involved in the development of many different diseases18, ranging from cancer to diabetes and beyond. Filling up on almonds can be a simple strategy to give your gut health an upgrade.

A review published in Nutrients reported that almonds can support the health of the gut microbiome19 by increasing the diversity and richness of microflora, improving the ratio of beneficial bacteria to harmful bacteria and bumping up the concentration of gut-healthy compounds. Similarly, one study showed that snacking on 2 ounces of almonds per day improved the diversity20 and composition of the gut flora in college students.

Summary

Eating almonds can help you infuse your gut with beneficial bacteria and build a strong microbiome—which will pay off for your digestion, mood, and more.

7.

They may boost bone density.

Summary

Finally, eating calcium- and magnesium-rich almonds may help support strong bones. More research is needed in this area, though, so watch this space.

So, how many almonds per day do you need to eat to take advantage of the wealth of health-promoting properties that they offer? According to Chaudhry, sticking to around one serving per day—about 1 ounce, or 23 kernels—is a good goal for most people. However, some of the studies discussed above found that eating up to two servings per day could offer even more added benefits.

Nevertheless, it’s a good idea to keep your portion sizes in check, especially if you’re looking to lose weight. “While almonds are quite filling, they are also an energy-dense food, so it’s worth being mindful of serving size unless you are extremely active or have high energy needs,” says Nielsen.

• Almonds vs. Pistachios: Pistachios tend to have an earthy, nutty flavor that’s slightly sweeter and less smoky than almonds. They’re also a smidgen lower in fat24, calories, and fiber yet higher in important nutrients like vitamins B6 and C.
• Almonds vs. Cashews: Known for their mild flavor and buttery texture, cashews can be a budget-friendly alternative to almonds. Compared to almonds, they’re lower in calories, fat, and calcium but contain almost double the amount of copper5 per serving.
• Almonds vs. Walnuts: Walnuts have an earthy, bitter taste and wrinkly texture that stands out from other nuts. While there is some overlap between the health benefits of almonds and walnuts, walnuts boast more fat4 (the majority of which is polyunsaturated fatty acids) and pack a powerful punch of manganese and copper.

Although almonds are chock-full of essential nutrients, they might not be a great fit for everyone. For starters, people with an allergy to almonds or tree nuts should steer clear of almonds altogether. Additionally, because they’re high in calories, it’s best not to go overboard on serving size if weight loss is your goal.

Keep in mind that almonds can go rancid, so be sure to check for signs of spoilage before you chow down. Dark specks of mold, an unpleasant smell, and a bitter taste are a few signs that your bag of almonds might be past its prime.

• Chaudhry notes that opting for organic almonds can help reduce exposure to harmful chemicals that may be used while growing almonds.
• Chaudhry also recommends choosing raw, unsalted almonds for their both nutritional value and versatility.
• Be sure to keep almonds in an airtight container to maximize their shelf life. Though they can be stored in a cool pantry, sticking almonds in the fridge or freezer can also help keep them fresh for even longer.

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