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We know almonds are considered a healthy food—they’re almost always listed as a smart snack idea, a food to add to your routine for feeling fuller longer, and a great plant-based source of protein. But why exactly are these nuts considered so good for us?
Almonds have B vitamins1 like biotin and B2 (riboflavin), along with manganese and copper, which are all major players in energy production. They also contain good levels of magnesium, which maintains balance in the nervous system and supports muscle relaxation and a healthy heart—making almonds a perfect food to eat before or after a workout.
Almonds are considered one of the ultimate beauty foods, too, with their vitamin E and healthy fat content that contributes to healthy, glowing skin and prevents oxidative damage. And, of course, almonds bring lots of fiber to the plate, which helps aid in digestion.
All of these nutrients make almonds an excellent food for heart health2, keeping blood sugar in check, and even weight loss. So beyond grabbing the odd handful every now and then, how can you incorporate almonds into your life in new ways to make sure you’re getting all of their amazing benefits? We’ve got you covered.
1. Use them in your coffee!
Beyond milk, almonds can be made into coffee creamer, too—a slightly thicker, more indulgent, and, well, creamier version of your usual plant-based milk. Califia Farms Almondmilk Creamers include lots of the great benefits of almonds and are low in sugar; non-GMO; carrageenan-free; dairy-, gluten-, and soy-free, too; with no artificial ingredients.
But perhaps the best part of adding Califia Farms Almondmilk Creamer to your morning is all of the over-the-top-delicious flavors available. Choose from hazelnut, vanilla, pecan caramel, dulce de leche, Irish cream, Mexican cocoa, or unsweetened for a next-level cup of joe.
2. Make your own protein-packed snacks!
Almond pulp or almond meal can be made into tasty and fiber-rich crackers with a few other ingredients like flaxseeds and some savory flavor boosters like nutritional yeast and rosemary. Almond-based energy balls are one of our favorite ways to add more protein to an afternoon snack. Try different combinations of your favorite whole foods like almonds, dates, and maca, or almonds, cherries, and cacao.
3. Amp up the protein in all of your meals.
Consider stirring almond meal or almond butter into morning oats, smoothies, soups and stews, and gluten-free breads for extra plant-based protein and fiber. It’s such an easy add-in to get creative with.
4. Dead skin, be gone!
Exfoliation is another way to use these babies in your beauty routine, but this time in ground almond or almond meal form. All that vitamin E, healthy fat, and texture make a great face-exfoliating scrub. Combine a couple of tablespoons of almond meal along with a drizzle of honey and a little jojoba oil, and apply to your face in circular motions. Let it sit on the skin for about a minute, then rinse off. It’s simple and way better for you than expensive scrubs with weird additives.
Bottom line: Whether you drink, eat, or moisturize with your almonds, you’ll get a bunch of fantastic benefits from them.
5. Get soft and glowy skin, stat.
Almond oil actually makes an effective and versatile beauty product (remember all that vitamin E almonds have?). It can be used as body oil—just massage into damp skin right before getting out of the shower but before drying off.
It also makes a good eye-makeup remover and facial moisturizer. To remove eye makeup, place a dab of oil on a clean cloth or cotton round and gently wipe away a day’s worth of mascara. After you’ve cleansed, apply a small amount to your face and let it soak in for soft and ultra-hydrated skin.
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Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN
