Exploring The Top 5 Reasons To Add Almond Butter To Your Diet
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In the past, peanut butter was the only type of nut butter that was commonly accessible. Nowadays, grocery store shelves are covered with many varieties of nut butters. Almond butter is a type of nut butter made from almonds. It is similar in texture and consistency to peanut butter but is made exclusively from almonds. The almonds are typically roasted and then ground into a smooth or creamy paste, although some varieties may have a chunkier texture depending on how finely the almonds are ground.

For good reason, almond butter has swiftly become a well-liked substitute for peanut butter. Micronutrients, heart-healthy fats, and fibre are all abundant in it, all of which are good for your health. It can be spread on bread or toast, used as a dip for fruits or vegetables added to smoothies, incorporated into baked goods like cookies and muffins, or even used as a savoury ingredient in sauces and dressings.

When you hear the term "butter," you might immediately associate it with being unhealthy or fattening. It is also popular among those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, as it provides a plant-based source of protein and healthy fats. Set aside your worries because almond butter will do wonderful things for your health. 

Top 5 Health Benefits Of Almond Butter

Promotes Heart Health:

Almond butter has a lot of fat, as you may have observed, but not all fats are created equal. According to WebMD, unsaturated fats, which are abundant in almond butter, support heart health. They aid in boosting HDL, or "good" cholesterol, and lowering LDL, or "bad" cholesterol. The fat level also prolongs your feeling of fullness, which may encourage you to choose your snacks and meals more carefully.

Rich In Antioxidants:

Almonds, and by extension, almond butter, are rich in beneficial antioxidants. These tiny nutrients work to shield your cells from oxidative damage, a significant cause of illness and ageing. Your body can naturally fight inflammation and the signs of ageing with the help of antioxidants. The outer brown layer of the almond's skin contains the highest quantity of antioxidants.

Packed With Vitamin E:

A fat-soluble antioxidant called Vitamin E is abundant in almond butter, according to Healthline. It strengthens your immune system and guards against oxidative cell damage. Compared to peanut butter, it contains nearly four times as much vitamin E and provides more than half of your daily needs.

Regulates Hormones:

The fat in almond butter is crucial for our hormonal health in addition to being essential for energy and immunity. Healthy fats are necessary for the efficient operation of our hormones. Almond butter is abundant in omega-3 and omega-6 fats, which are crucial for hormone production, as was already discussed. Endocrine factories are located inside the cells, and fats in the cell membrane regulate what enters and exits the cell. Hormone production may become improperly regulated if not enough fat is consumed.

May Reduce Diabetes Risk:

Almond butter's magnesium content lowers the body's level of insulin resistance. Lower insulin resistance results in improved glucose absorption by the body. By doing so, it might assist in lowering the risk of diabetes.

Home-Made Almond Butter Recipe


Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of raw almonds (you can also use roasted almonds if you prefer a roasted flavour)
  • 1-2 tablespoons of neutral oil
  • A pinch of salt (optional)
  • Sweetener (such as honey or maple syrup, optional)

Method:

  • If you're using raw almonds, roasting them will improve their flavour. Almonds should be spread out in a single layer on a baking sheet, and the oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C). Roast for 10 to 12 minutes, or until fragrant and golden brown. To achieve even roasting, stir them halfway through.
  • The roasted almonds should be allowed to cool for a few minutes to reach room temperature.
  • Put the almonds in a strong blender or food processor. You can optionally remove the skins from the almonds by rubbing them between your fingers for a smoother almond butter.
  • Start mixing the almonds in the food processor or blender after turning it on. They will initially go through numerous stages, including being chopped, finely ground, and finally beginning to clump together.
  • Periodically halt the machine and use a spatula to scrape the bowl's sides clean. This guarantees that every nut is processed in an equitable manner.
  • You can add 1-2 teaspoons of neutral oil, such as vegetable or grapeseed oil, to your almond butter if it is having problems achieving a smooth consistency. This contributes to a texture that is smoother. Blend further.
  • Add salt and sweeteners like honey or maple syrup to taste, if desired. Start with a little and then increase or decrease as desired. To integrate these additions, re-blend the mixture.
  • Blend continuously until the required consistency is reached. Depending on your equipment and your choice of smoothness, this could take 5 to 15 minutes.

Transfer your almond butter to a fresh, sealed jar or container once it has reached the desired consistency. For optimum freshness, keep it in the fridge. Homemade almond butter can be stored this way for a few weeks.