The United States is now the leading producer of almonds, harvesting over 1 million metric tons a year.

The supply is so high because of the increasing demand for almonds. Why are almonds so sought after in the American diet?

You can not only get an assortment of vitamins from these powerful nuts, but you also get an abundant amount of protein from almond. Plus, a range of other health benefits.

Read on to find out how getting protein from almonds can improve your overall well being.

1. POWERFUL ANTIOXIDANTS

Eating almonds protects against cell damage and removes waste from the body. This occurs because almonds are packed with antioxidants like vitamin E.

The brown skin found on almonds is particularly filled with antioxidants. When you digest them the vitamins are released into the bloodstream.

The cells absorb the antioxidants from the food and start to ward off free radicals. These free radicals are harmful cells that cause your body to become ill, contribute to aging, and can lead to serious diseases like cancer.

Antioxidant dosages are best in their natural form. That is why eating foods like almonds is better than taking supplements to add antioxidants to your body.

2. LOW CALORIES AND GOOD FAT

Unlike meat, almonds can provide you with a good source of fat without giving you a large number of calories along with adding protein to your diet.

With a serving of almonds, you get 14 grams of saturated fat with just 162 calories. Compared to a chicken breast where you only get 5 grams of saturated fat for 335 calories per serving.

When you get more saturated fat in your diet your body can absorb essential vitamins and minerals efficiently. It also provides you with energy without adding excess fat to your body that comes from trans-fats.

3. CONTROL BLOOD SUGAR

Since they are a low-carb food, almonds in your diet can help regulate your blood sugar.

While your body needs a certain amount of carbohydrates for energy production, too much can cause an increase in glucose production. This leads to high blood sugar and can cause diabetes.

In addition to being low-carb, almonds also include magnesium. This mineral naturally regulates your blood sugar.

If you have a deficiency in magnesium your body can become insulin-resistant. This is the leading cause of type 2 diabetes as your body doesn’t produce your insulin. Insulin is the hormone needed to breakdown carbs into glucose.

Taking too much magnesium can also cause problems so don’t combine supplements with high-magnesium foods like almonds. It is recommended that adults take between 300-400 mg a day depending on your age and gender.

4. VITAMIN E

Even eating almonds for a snack gives you an abundance of vitamin E, which is responsible for several amazing health benefits.

It is often found in skin care products as it contributes to cell regeneration and anti-aging properties.

Vitamin E also helps cells inside the body. It is fat-soluble so it is easily absorbed into your bloodstream by attaching to fat cells. By doing so, it removes free radicals, which improves your immune system.

Your body can fight off illnesses and diseases that are caused by stagnant toxins. Built-up toxins cause inflammation as white blood cells attack harmful substances. Continuous inflammation leads to serious side effects.

Your body will start attacking healthy cells and even your organs. It can lead to cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

5. LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE

Almonds contain about 20% of your daily magnesium requirement. This can drastically reduce your blood pressure and lower your chances of stroke and heart attack.

Magnesium relaxes the blood vessels to improve circulation. It also provides the body with energy.

Low magnesium levels cause fatigue, which can lead to weight gain. In severe cases, a deficiency can lead to muscle spasms, mood changes, and coronary episodes.

6. LOWER CHOLESTEROL

Plant-based proteins like almonds are a naturally cholesterol-free part of your diet.

Good cholesterol or HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is needed to remove the bad cholesterol or LDL (low-density lipoprotein). Almonds can effectively lower your LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol, bringing your body to normal levels.

The more your body increases it’s HDL cholesterol the more healthy your heart and cardiovascular system becomes.

So, almonds as a protein source can keep your bad cholesterol levels low while increasing the good cholesterol.

7. WEIGHT LOSS

All of these almond qualities contribute to a healthy body. It is a source of protein that adds vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and beneficial fats to your diet.

This means that when eating after a workout you can choose almonds to replenish your muscles with protein and feed your cells with saturated fats.

Almonds are the perfect food to take with you to the gym for a quick protein boost. Or blend almonds and fruit in a smoothie for a protein shake.

They have also been known to increase your metabolism that contributes to the digestion of foods. This provides the means to convert food into energy instead of waste.

For these reasons, almonds assist with a weight loss plan that doesn’t sacrifice nutrition for the sake of staying trim.

PROTEIN FROM ALMONDS ON THE GO

Sometimes it’s hard to eat healthy during the day when you are busy. Luckily, getting your protein from almonds is easy. You don’t have to sit down for a complete meal or get fast food. One solution is to grab a new RBar Protein Bar that delivers 10g of protein from almonds in an easy-to-consume bar.

Register now for 40% off the new RBar Protein Bars through our Indiegogo pre-launch campaignso you can be one of the first to try the 5 new flavors.