At Billabong Retreat we love cooking and baking with almonds. As well as being delicious, almonds are nutrient-dense nuts and offer a wide range of health benefits.
Almonds are great for:
- Heart Health: Almonds are rich in monounsaturated fats, which are considered heart-healthy fats.
- Digestive Health: Almonds are a good source of dietary fiber, which supports healthy digestion and can help prevent constipation.
- Blood Sugar Regulation: The high fiber content in almonds can slow the absorption of sugar, helping to stabilise blood sugar levels.
- Bone Health: Almonds contain essential nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are vital for maintaining strong and healthy bones.
- Skin Health: Almonds are rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and supports overall skin health.
- Brain Health: Almonds are a good source of nutrients that support brain function, such as vitamin E, folate, and healthy fats. Some studies suggest that almonds may help improve cognitive function and memory.
- Energy Boost: The combination of healthy fats, protein, and fiber in almonds can provide a sustained energy boost, making them an excellent snack option.
- Antioxidant Properties: Almonds contain antioxidants like vitamin E and flavonoids that help combat oxidative stress in the body, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
- Nutrient Rich: Almonds are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B2 (riboflavin), magnesium, potassium, and zinc, which contribute to overall health and well-being.
- Reduces Inflammation: Almonds contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, potentially helping to reduce inflammation and its associated health risks.
- Gut Health: Almonds contain prebiotic fibers that promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, supporting a healthy gut microbiome.
To celebrate our love for almonds, Breakfast Chef Denise shares with you our delicious Almond cookie recipe. Try this at home and let us know what you think.
Makes 12-14
Ingredients:
2 cups Almond Flour
½ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp baking soda
¼ cup coconut oil (melted and cooled)
¼ cup maple syrup
½ cup vegan semi sweet chocolate chips
12-14 whole almonds to garnish
Method
- Preheat oven to 150 C
- Line tray with baking paper and set aside
- Mix together almond flour, salt and baking soda in a bowl
- Stir the oil and maple syrup into the batter
- Fold in chocolate chips
- Using a tablespoon, scoop the dough and form a small ball. Flatten it gently.
- Place the almond in the center of each cookie and place cookies on the tray.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until lightly browned.
- Serve once cooled