What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Almonds Every Day
Knowing what foods to snack on throughout the day can be tricky. There are so many options, and while some can fill you up, others can leave you feeling hungry right away. Almonds are one example that will not only make you feel full, but are also packed with tons of additional health benefits. One handful a day, which is the rough equivalent to one serving—23 almonds—is all you need to take full advantage of all that this nut has to offer. So what does happen to your body when you eat almonds on a daily basis?
So next time you go looking in your pantry for a snack, you should definitely eat a handful of almonds. Here's why, and for more healthy eating tips, be sure to check out our list of 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now.
You'll improve your mood.
The component in almonds that works to boost your mood is called tryptophan, an amino acid. When paired with Vitamin B6—so anything from a banana to oats—the tryptophan converts into serotonin in the body. Therefore, it's the serotonin that works as an instant mood booster, making you feel happier and less anxious. So sprinkle a handful of almonds on that bowl of oatmeal, or a bowl of banana slices for an easy snack.
Speaking of snacks, here are The 8 Best Snacking Habits to Drop 10 Pounds.
You'll lower your risk disease.
You have abundant amounts of Vitamin E within almonds to thank for this one. One serving of almonds contains 48% of your daily value of Vitamin E. This makes almonds one of the foods highest in this vitamin in the world, according to Healthline. One study shows the direct impact of Vitamin E consumption on lowering the chances of an Alzheimer's disease diagnosis. While other studies highlight the ways in which heart disease and cancers can be less likely for those who contain high levels of Vitamin E.
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You'll boost bone health.
Strong bones are a crucial part of overall health and can often be overlooked when people think about vitamins and supplements their bodies need. According to Medical News Today, with a handful of almonds, you're packing your body with calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, vitamin K, protein, and zinc, all of which contribute to boosting your overall bone health.
What about almond butter? Here's the truth on Peanut Butter vs Almond Butter: What is Healthier For You?
You'll lower your cholesterol.
Almost 29 million American adults suffer from high cholesterol, which can only be seen through a blood test as there are no visible symptoms, according to the CDC. Once diagnosed, it can be difficult to begin to manage, as there is both "good" cholesterol (HDL) and "bad" cholesterol (LDL). Thanks to the fat content in our favorite nut, eating a handful of almonds helps to balance those cholesterol levels. If you're looking for more cholesterol tips, we've designed a diet plan to help you manage your high cholesterol diagnosis.
You'll be managing your blood sugar levels.
Another medical diagnosis that is extremely prevalent in the United States is high blood sugar or diabetes. Medical News Today highlights the fact that oftentimes those with diabetes struggle with low levels of magnesium. One study found that those with Diabetes 2 who consumed 60 grams of almonds a day for 12 weeks saw significant improvements in blood sugar. Therefore, eating a serving of almonds a day and increasing magnesium levels can help to manage your blood sugar levels more effectively.
You'll increase weight loss.
Now, this is probably the one we should've started with. That's right—eating almonds each day can help you to increase your weight loss and finally reach your goals. Since almonds are packed with fiber and protein, snacking on these gems will likely keep you fuller for longer, meaning you're less likely to go for the unhealthier options later. One study found that eating 1.5 ounces of almonds each day, so a little over one serving, reduced hunger and the desire to continue eating among participants. And though there are definitely other nuts that help with weight loss, almonds are one of the best.
Why turn that handful of almonds into dessert? Here's a delicious Dark Chocolate-Covered Almond Clusters With Coconut-Matcha Sprinkle Recipe.
