Made up of 50% monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, almonds are a valuable source of energy and have a high caloric value. Almonds are a valuable reserve of vitamin E and mineral salts, especially magnesium, iron and calcium. Among the oilseeds are those that boast the highest fiber content.
Almonds are the queens of dried fruit: they are a real cure-all and a precious natural contribution to combat and prevent numerous pathologies. Thanks to the high percentage of "good" fats, almonds are among the most important anti-cholesterol foods because they lower the level of cholesterol in the blood, contributing to the health of arteries and heart. They are a powerful natural antioxidant, they preserve youth, skin beauty and hair well-being. Thanks to the high amounts of iron they are a good remedy against anemia, while calcium makes them valuable for bone health.
How to use them
Their use in the kitchen is very varied: they are used to make desserts but also to prepare savory recipes. They are very popular as snacks, natural or roasted in the oven. They are also great to add to breakfast, crumbled in yogurt or added to muesli.
For salty recipes, just think of the almond chicken, a typical Chinese dish.
In the regions of Southern Italy, almonds are the protagonists of many gastronomic preparations, such as almond paste and marzipan.