Things To Know About Almond Flour

Almond flour, or almond meal, can be a great substitute for wheat flour, especially if you're sensitive to wheat/gluten. It can also be a great addition if you are looking to eat fewer carbs and more protein. Here are some things to know about almond flour.

Almond Flour vs Almond Meal

Both almond flour and almond meal come from the seed of the fruit that grows on almond trees. Almonds are one of many fruits that are known as drupes. Other examples of drupes are plums, cherries, and peaches. Almound flour most often is made from almonds, without skins, that are ground into a fine flour. Almond meal tends to be courser and contains the almond skin. Which one you use depends on how you are going to use it.

Improves Energy

Almond flour contains healthy fats, along with vitamins and minerals, that can help boost your energy. The vitamin B2 in almonds, and almond flour, is especially important for your body's energy production. It also helps cellular function and creates red blood cells.

Healthy Blood Sugar Level

Almonds have been studied for their ability to help you maintain a healthy blood sugar level. This is because the protein, fat, and low carb nature of them mean that they are not broken down into sugar quickly. This is the opposite of what your body does if you eat wheat, white rice, or potatoes. In fact, eating almonds before a high carb meal, could help minimize the impact of the meal on your blood sugar.

Heart Health

Almonds are rich in antioxidants, which helps reduce inflammation. Inflammation can cause poor blood flow and high blood pressure. Studies have been done about the positive impacts of daily consumption of almonds (less than 2 ounces) on heart health. The same positive result can be achieved by moderate consumption of almond flour or meal.

Your Digestion

Depending on your body, a wheat alternative, like almond flour, may be easier or more difficult to digest. One reason is because it contains fiber, which can cause bloating in some people. Coconut flour is another wheat substitute. It contains less fat than almond flour, but contains a type of fiber that can be difficult for some to digest. You could be good with all three types of flour, or you may need to avoid all three. You can work with a health practitioner to solve any underlying issues and find what works best for you.

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