Muffin Top-Less

Health Benefits of Almond Butter: It’s Good for the Heart

Almond butter is an excellent source of monounsaturated fats, the heart-healthy type that helps to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Monounsaturated fats are an important part of the Mediterranean diet, one of the healthiest diets in the world. No wonder their rate of heart disease is so low in these countries. Another way that almond butter helps to lower cholesterol is through the plant sterols that almonds and other nuts contain. Whether it’s almond butter spread on a slice of bread or a handful of almonds, you’re doing your heart a favor when you enjoy a spoonful of almond butter.

• They Help to Lower Blood Pressure - Almonds and almond butter are excellent sources of three important minerals that lower blood pressure – calcium, potassium, and magnesium. These minerals work in conjunction with one another to reduce the resistance in blood vessels and keep the blood pressure under control.
• They Help to Control Blood Sugar - Adding a little almond butter to your diet can help to control blood sugar levels.  Almonds and almond butter help to subdue spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels that occur after a high carbohydrate meal. The result is better blood sugar control for diabetics.
• It’s Rich in Antioxidants - Almonds and almond butter are rich in vitamin E as well as a good source of flavonoids, compounds that protect cells against oxidative stress. These natural plant compounds also help to reduce the risk of heart disease by preventing the oxidation of LDL which can lead to clogged arteries.  
• It May Help With Weight Control - Even though nuts like almonds are high in calories, studies have shown that nut lovers are less likely to be overweight than those that avoid nuts. This may be due to the high protein and fiber content which lead to a sense of satiety, as well as the large quantity of monounsaturated fats. A little almond butter spread on a piece of whole grain bread makes a quick and healthy breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack that really satisfies.  

Many health food stores stock almond butter, but it’s not difficult to make your own at home using a blender or a food processor. You can find various recipes for doing this on the internet.

Read more: http://healthmad.com/nutrition/the-phenomenal-health-benefits-of-almond-butter/#ixzz26C1gKr1I