Nuts for Almonds!
Snacking while studying is probably a big no-no but when I’m “in the zone” I don’t really want to stop and make anything elaborate. Gotta keep the brain cells going! Typically, I’ll grab crackers or fruit, like grapes and keep on studying. However, I’ve been craving nuts lately, mainly cashews but the last few days I’ve had a serious hankering for almonds. I know they have great health benefits so snacking on them seems perfect!
Did you know that Almonds contain two vital brain nutrients, riboflavin and L-carnitine, which research has shown to increase brain activity? They result in new neural pathways and a decreased occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease. Now, eating almonds alone isn’t the cure for Alzheimer’s but eating foods that will boost our brain power that can only be a good thing! Almonds also are great for your bones and heart.
Check out this great infographic for more health benefits from Nuts.com and then head over to the almond page to see the many different ways you can purchase almonds from flours to candy! If you scroll down a bit, you can see additional health benefits that almonds provide and ways to incorporate them into your diet.
What ways do you use almonds? I recently found a love for almond milk so I try to use that whenever possible in cooking and baking, not to mention in my bowl of Cheerios each morning! I love having them toasted and added to roasted green beans, in salads and in vanilla yogurt. They just jazz up some foods with extra crunch (and of course you get the health benefits, too).
Baking with nuts is great and it’s easy to add almonds to so many baked goods from cookies to cakes to Danish. I love using them in Biscotti, they just give the crisp cookie more flavor and textures. Because I am craving them, I decided to make my Cranberry-Almond Biscotti. This was the perfect solution to my craving!
Now, if you’ll excuse me – I see a cup of coffee and a Cranberry-Almond Biscotti waiting for me.
Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Infographic provided by Nuts.com.
