Flour is a staple ingredient in many dishes, with almost no equivalent, and it cannot be completely eliminated from our diet. The most commonly used type is wheat flour, but it is a rather unhealthy and high-calorie choice. Fortunately, it has a much healthier alternative – almond flour. It is low in carbohydrates, packed with beneficial nutrients, and tastes slightly sweeter than wheat flour.
What Is Almond Flour?
Almond flour is made from blanched, ground almonds, which are then sifted to produce a fine flour. It offers numerous health benefits because it contains many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. For example, manganese helps the body clot blood properly, allowing it to heal after injuries. Manganese also helps the body break down carbohydrates and cholesterol. Almond flour is also rich in magnesium, which can help you better control your blood sugar levels.
If that’s not enough to convince you to swap wheat flour for almond flour, here are 5 more reasons to add it to your diet:
1. Supports heart health
Almond flour is rich in monounsaturated fats, which can help keep cholesterol levels in check. Lowering cholesterol significantly reduces the risk of heart disease.
2. A good choice for people with diabetes
Almond flour is a low-glycemic-index food. Compared with wheat flour, it contains less sugar and fewer carbohydrates. Switching to almond flour may help people with diabetes regulate their blood sugar levels more effectively.
3. Aids digestion
Almond flour contains plenty of prebiotic dietary fiber. This type of fiber is consumed by bacteria in the small intestine. Getting enough prebiotic dietary fiber contributes to a healthier, more efficient digestive system.
4. Reduces the risk of cognitive disorders
Almond flour is rich in vitamin E – an antioxidant known to help the brain function properly. Getting enough vitamin E can help prevent damage from harmful molecules called free radicals, which accelerate aging, increase the risk of heart disease and cancer, and lower the risk of developing cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.
5. Gluten-free
Almond flour is gluten-free. This makes it suitable for people with gluten intolerance, who need to avoid products containing gluten, such as baked goods and other foods made with wheat, barley, oats, and rye.
If these 5 reasons have convinced you to add almond flour to your diet, it’s time to try something delicious made with this ingredient. Try our healthy sweet bread – a treat that’s perfect for both a refeed day and whenever you simply feel like enjoying something delicious.