Everyone seems to be talking about plant-based protein, and manufacturers are creating everything from vegan sausages to protein powders, but let’s pause for a moment and remember that NUTS are the original, all-natural, plant-based protein! The all-mighty almond is one of my favorite nuts because it has lots of other benefits, too!
Here are some of the ways almonds can support your health:
Protein
Let’s start with the obvious. Almonds (all nuts and seeds) are naturally high in protein. Protein is often called the “building block” of muscles. Did you know it’s also essential for bone, cartilage, skin, and hair strength, as well as for giving you energy and carrying oxygen throughout your body? Protein also satisfies hunger, so if you need a snack to tide you over or help you keep going while you’re being active – on a hike, while traveling, or on a bike ride (my personal favorite) – protein is the way to go. And guess what? JoJé Bar offers five delicious, almond-based bars that each contain 5 grams of protein – that’s 12% of the recommended daily intake.
Vitamins and Minerals
We know vitamins and minerals are important for staying healthy. A handful of almonds or a JoJé bar are a great snacking substitute to get you what you need!
According to Food Data Central, the USDA’s nutrition database, a one-ounce serving of raw almonds (about 23 almonds) gives you a whopping 76.5 grams of magnesium, about 18% of the recommended daily value (%DV) for optimal health!
And here’s a breakdown of other important vitamin and mineral amounts and the %DV you will get with your handful of almonds:
Antioxidants
Cue almonds! Almonds contain high amounts of vitamin E – almost 50% of the daily value in a single serving! I won’t get into all the details, but vitamin E is helpful for immune health and it’s an antioxidant. If you want to dig into the medical benefits of antioxidants, check out this study.
Fiber
Fiber is the part of fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts that our bodies cannot digest or break down. Fiber primarily helps regulate bowel movements, but there are other health benefits associated with a diet rich in fiber. Fiber also can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, reduce certain cancer risks, and reduce Type 2 diabetes risk.
A one-ounce serving of almonds contains 3.5 grams of fiber, about 13% of the recommended daily intake of fiber.
Good Fat
Fat is not the enemy! It is now known that “good” fats are beneficial and necessary for health. These healthy fats can help to increase the "good” cholesterol or HDL, while reducing the “bad” cholesterol or LDL, aiding in overall heart health.
“Good” fats or unsaturated fats include:
- Plant oils – olive, safflower, sunflower, canola, soybean, nut and seed oils
- Nuts and seeds (like the mighty almond!)
- Avocados
- Omega-3 fats – fatty fish (salmon, herring, sardines, mackerel), walnuts, flaxseed, chia seeds, hemp seeds
JoJé Bars
Here at JoJé, we use almonds as the base of most of our bars, and we complement the almonds with premium, whole-food and gluten-free ingredients such as oats, maple syrup, seeds, and real fruit – all baked like a cookie – to make them tasty and nutritious.
Want the health benefits described above? Grab that handful of almonds, or better yet, treat yourself to a JoJé bar!
*The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition.
