Dietitians Agree: The One Nut You Should Start Snacking On Immediately For Weight Loss And Belly Fat Reduction

Almonds

Did you know that almonds are a nutrient powerhouse? They're high in antioxidants, protein, and fiber. And, almonds are also rich in one important vitamin—vitamin E. "Almonds are a good source of vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage," Nanavati says. Antioxidants work to keep your body protected against a range of health risks, including heart disease, cancer, and more. They can also help reduce inflammation in the skin. Almonds truly deserve their superfood status!

In addition to their high antioxidant levels, almonds are also high in monounsaturated fats, a type of dietary fat. Monounsaturated fats offer a lot of cardiovascular and digestive benefits for weight loss. They are generally considered the healthiest fats and they can also be found in avocados.

Much of their health benefits come from their healthy fat content. "Almonds are rich in monounsaturated fats, which have been shown to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease," Nanavati explains.

"Almonds may promote gut health by supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, including Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus species," Lee notes. "Having more optimal gut health and a balanced gut microbiome may reduce insulin resistance and inflammation linked to obesity."

If you're looking for a snack that packs a healthy punch, almonds can make quite a big difference. They can be consumed whole, chopped, sliced, ground into almond flour, or almond butter. Almonds can even be made into an alternative, plant-based milk.

The Bottom Line

So, next time you're looking for a healthy snack, you may want to munch on a handful of almonds instead of those processed potato chips. Almonds are full of protein, healthy fats, and they're also low in carbs—so they're a great snack to keep you satiated longer between meals and give you that energy boosts you need for workouts. They're also good sources of nutrients that boost immunity like vitamin E!