Almond Flour: The Gluten Free and Heart-Healthy Powerhouse

Almond flour has become one of the most popular “paleo” and low carb baking ingredients, and is a fabulous alternative to flour, whether you’re watching carbs or not. With the gluten-free trend on the rise, it is no wonder that there are an overwhelming variety of flours to choose from. Almond flour is, by no means a new product. Growing up in London, my mother, Eva used to make the most incredible flourless chocolate torte, that was moist and flavorful. She always used almond flour. I don't think she cared about being gluten free back then!

Almond flour versus Almond meal: What's the deal?

Flour is the finest grind you can get. Meal is the next finest grind- coarser than flour, less coarse than grits. If you grind almonds too finely, you know what you get? Almond butter.

Natural versus blanched:

The natural meal has the almond skins intact, while the blanched has the skins removed. There is only a slight difference between the two in their nutritional make-up (natural has slightly more vitamin E) and they perform identically in baking.

Health Benefits:

1. One cup of this flour contains about 90 almonds and provides more than 100 percent of the daily requirement for vitamin E.

2. Eating almonds significantly increases the level of antioxidants in the bloodstream, improves blood flow and reduces blood pressure.

3. Almond consumption can decrease the risk of colon cancer and almonds’ high healthy fat content is related to its anticancer ability. 

4. The combination of healthy fats, macronutrients and micronutrients make almond flour an excellent energy booster. The flour contains energy creators like riboflavin, manganese and copper. The riboflavin (vitamin B2) plays an essential role in energy production, red blood cell creation, cellular function, growth and development.

5. Good source of calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium.

Our message to you is simple: Go out and be creative! Get out of your comfort zone and try new products. Always look for a healthier alternative when you are Getting HOT in YOUR Kitchen! ~ Venus

#almondflour #paleo #glutenfree #lowcarb #lowglycemic #protein #healthyfats