When it comes to maintaining your overall health, your diet is one of the most important factors to consider. The food you eat on a daily basis doesn’t only impact your weight; it can also play a crucial role in practically every area of your wellbeing, from your mental health to your cardiovascular health. That’s why it’s important to add nutrient-rich foods to your meals and choose healthy snacks. Luckily, there are plenty of great options out there. Nuts, for example, are a fantastic superfood that are packed with benefits—and there’s one in particular that could do wonders for both your heart health and your sleep: almonds.
To learn more about how almonds can help keep your heart in great shape and even help you find easier, more restful sleep each night, we spoke to nutritionist Krutika Nanavati. She broke down a few of the fantastic properties of this delicious, nutritious nut. Find all of her expert insight below.
Benefits of almonds for heart health
One of the main health benefits of almonds, as Nanavati notes, is the fact that they're packed with healthy fats and antioxidants, both of which can keep your heart healthy and even lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.
"They can effectively combat inflammation and lower levels of LDL, or 'bad' cholesterol, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease," Nanavati tells us. She urges readers to "indulge in this nutritious snack to support your heart health and well-being."
Benefits of almonds for sleep
In addition to their heart-healthy benefits, a lesser-known upside to snacking on almonds is the fact that they could improve your sleep. Your diet can play a major role in your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night, as certain nutrients have been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation. One such nutrient, magnesium, is abundant in almonds. A magnesium mocktail even went viral on TikTok recently—but increasing your intake could be as simple as incorporating almonds into your diet.
"Magnesium, a mineral renowned for its pivotal role in regulating sleep, is significant in ensuring a restful night," Nanavati says. "Insomnia and difficulty falling asleep can be attributed to a deficiency in magnesium. By incorporating almonds into your diet, you can enhance the quality of your sleep, particularly for individuals struggling with insomnia." Perfect!
Incorporating almonds into your diet
So, what are a few of the best ways to reap these benefits? Fortunately, almonds are an easy food to work into your diet. Not only are they a great snack on their own, but they're also highly versatile.
"One common approach is to add a handful of almonds to a balanced breakfast or enjoy them as a satisfying snack between meals," Nanavati says. "Almonds can also enhance the taste and texture of salads and yogurts or even serve as a delightful crunchy topping for cooked vegetables." Yum!
However, just as with any food, she reminds us that moderation is crucial. "It is essential to be mindful of portion sizes due to their high-calorie content, ensuring you only consume a reasonable amount of calories," she concludes. Noted!
The bottom line
Of course, staying healthy is about more than just adding one simple food to your diet; you shouldn't rely on almonds as a magical form of protection from heart disease, or as a miracle worker against insomnia. However, your diet certainly impacts both of these areas of your health. By adding almonds into your meals in conjunction with other healthy foods and habits, you'll definitely be taking a step in the right direction.
READ MORE: 3 Things To Stop Doing Because They Could Lead To Heart Disease
