Nutrition and health
Delve into insights from our program ambassadors, Simone Austin, an Advanced Sports Dietitian, and Jemma O’Hanlon, a Dietitian and Nutritionist, as they highlight the positive impacts of almonds. Learn how incorporating almonds into diets can contribute to good heart health, act as a preventative measure against type 2 diabetes, support optimal gut health, and serve as a powerhouse in fitness and sports nutrition. Elevate your understanding of almonds as a wholesome and versatile addition to promote overall well-being.
Australian almonds are a unique food brimming with health benefits. We know that a handful of almonds every day boosts health and wellbeing, with key functional benefits including protecting against cardiovascular disease, improving blood glucose control and supporting gut health.
Heart health
Australian almonds contain healthy fats, known as monounsaturated fats which are good for the heart. These monounsaturated fats help to lower ‘bad’ cholesterol and total cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease. But it’s not just the good fats, it’s the unique nutrient matrix that Australian almonds contain that supports heart health, including plant protein, fibre, calcium, vitamin E, phytosterols, polyphenols and many other vitamins and minerals.
Diabetes
Australian almonds are rich in nutrients that support better blood glucose control. Fibre, protein and healthy fats found in Australian almonds slow the rate of digestion and absorption, helping to keep blood glucose levels steady. The goodness of fibre, protein and healthy fats also helps to lower the Glycaemic Index (GI) of a meal. This supports better blood glucose control and helps to keep us fuller for longer, supporting healthy weight management and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Gut health
Australian almonds, being a plant food serve as prebiotics, providing food for the healthy bacteria living in the gut. With almost 3g of fibre in every handful, Australian almonds support our digestive health. They’re the perfect snack to improve the diversity of healthy bacteria in the gut, supporting overall health and wellbeing.
How almonds can enhance one’s fitness journey and contribute to overall sports nutrition
Recovery is just as important, and nutrition plays a critical role in that process.
Almonds are a nutritional powerhouse perfect as part of an athlete of any level’s diets
Almonds being a rich source of protein makes them perfect for crucial muscle repair and growth. Not requiring refrigeration, they are super convenient and portable form of protein as part of a meal or snack.
The healthy fats of almonds, mostly monounsaturated, helps provide a sustained source of energy over the day and throughout long physical activities. The dietary fibre of almonds keeps us full for longer, assisting with weight management and provides fibre for our gut health very important for all athlete’s to take care of. Moreover, almonds contain essential micronutrients such as vitamin E, magnesium, and antioxidants, which play a role in reducing inflammation and supporting overall recovery after strenuous exercise. The nutritional profile of almonds positions them as a valuable asset in optimizing fitness outcomes and supporting overall sports nutrition.