Though they are often referred to as a nut, almonds are technically a type of seed derived from almond trees. These trees are native to western Asia but are now grown and cultivated around the globe. Compared to some other types of nuts, almonds come with a slightly steeper price tag, which is due to both their popularity and the labor-intensive harvesting processes required.
In terms of appearance, almonds are light brown and oval-shaped, with a smooth outer shell. They have a rich, nutty flavor that lends itself well to a wide range of recipes, adding an extra crunch to salads or bringing a tender texture to baked goods. They also make a healthy snack as is and can be enjoyed roasted, raw, or salted.
So, how many almonds per day do you need to eat to take advantage of the wealth of health-promoting properties that they offer? According to Chaudhry, sticking to around one serving per day—about 1 ounce, or 23 kernels—is a good goal for most people. However, some of the studies discussed above found that eating up to two servings per day could offer even more added benefits.
Nevertheless, it’s a good idea to keep your portion sizes in check, especially if you’re looking to lose weight. “While almonds are quite filling, they are also an energy-dense food, so it’s worth being mindful of serving size unless you are extremely active or have high energy needs,” says Nielsen.
Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD is a registered dietitian and writer based in San Francisco. She holds a master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition from New York University and an undergraduate degree in Dietetics.
Rachael works as a freelance writer and editor for several health and wellness publications. She is passionate about sharing evidence-based information on nutrition and health and breaking down complex topics into content that is engaging and easy to understand.
When she’s not writing, Rachael enjoys experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, reading, gardening, and spending time with her husband and dogs.
This content was originally published here.
