The brilliant benefits of almonds

If you are struggling to find a food to stave away those hunger cravings and does not damage all the good work you have done at the gym, then look no further than the nutritionally packed almond.

Almonds are powerhouses. They are loaded with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that will aid your body in building muscle, staying slim and more importantly, benefit your general health.

The antioxidants in almonds help control blood sugar after meals, protect against diabetes and heart disease. They’re also filled with monounsaturated fats that can reduce your risk of heart disease even more. A handful of almonds (30 grams) contain 15 essential nutrients including 65 percent of your daily requirement of the antioxidant vitamin E, while also having more protein than an egg.

This natural protein source acts as an energy source, so it is an excellent snack before your workout. It is also important to remember that your body expends high amounts of fuel during physical activity, so experts suggest that it is even more beneficial post-workout to replenish the energy you have lost and increase the chances of a quicker muscle recovery.

With a balanced diet, almonds may even help you burn fat. A 2003 study in the International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders showed that overweight and obese people on a low-calorie, almond-enriched diet had a 56 percent greater reduction in body fat compared with those on a low-calorie, high-carb diet.

So next time you are doing your shopping, remember the humble almond!

Sources: Muscle and Fitness/The Sport Review.