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Roasted almonds are a favorite delicacy for many. It will not only be an excellent snack, but also a source of large amounts of nutrients.
Are roasted almonds healthy?
Almonds are called the nut of longevity, as they improve heart function. The magnesium contained in it strengthens the muscle tissue of the heart, improves the functioning of the organ and protects it from the development of dangerous pathologies. In addition, the same element has antidepressant and anti-stress effects. In addition to magnesium, B vitamins and tryptophan, a substance that underlies the production of the “joy hormone,” have a positive effect on the condition and functioning of the central nervous system.
Magnesium is beneficial for women going through PMS. Deficiency of this microelement occurs specifically in the female body. Manganese helps regulate glycemic levels and insulin production. Vitamin E protects the skin and the body as a whole from aging and fights the destructive effects of radicals.
Roasted nuts in combination with honey stimulate the hormonal system of men and increase the number of active sperm. Helps restore physical strength after heavy training and other physical activities.Supports sexual activity in the male body. The beneficial composition of nuts helps cleanse the blood of excess cholesterol. Protects against anemia due to the presence of riboflavin and folacin.
Roasted almonds, when properly cooked, retain almost all the beneficial properties of the fresh product. A slight loss of bioactive chemical elements is allowed, but the difference in this case is quite insignificant. It is important not to commit the following process violations:
- do not increase the temperature;
- do not add vegetable oils, there is already plenty of this in nuts; when these products come into contact, vitamin E is destroyed, which is involved in the restoration of body cells and the protection of blood vessels;
- do not overheat.
If all the rules are followed, the benefits of roasted or raw almonds will be approximately the same.
Which almonds are healthier – roasted or raw?
There are bitter varieties of almonds that are not recommended for consumption without first being roasted. Unripe or, conversely, too old fruits should not be eaten raw. These almonds have a bitter taste, which indicates the presence of amygdalin in their composition. The toxic substance decomposes in the human digestive tract into hydrocyanic acid and some other chemical compounds. Eating unroasted bitter almonds can lead to severe poisoning and even death. In all these cases, we can clearly say that roasted almonds are healthier.
If almonds are not bitter, they can be eaten unprocessed, but in small quantities.Raw fruits retain all the beneficial composition, which is completely absorbed by the human body and brings invaluable benefits to it. Roasted almonds, if cooked at high temperatures, lose a significant part of their beneficial properties. Therefore, it is better to cook nuts at home or purchase them from a reliable manufacturer. So, you can answer the question of whether raw or roasted almonds are better, taking into account the above factors.
How to roast almonds
Before you start roasting, you need to peel the nuts. There are three ways:
- pour into a container with water at normal temperature and leave for 6-12 hours, and after that they will clean perfectly;
- pour boiling water over it for at least an hour or a little more, then remove the skin;
- Boil for one minute in boiling water, the result is the same.
You need to choose a cleaning method depending on your capabilities and free time. It is not necessary to peel the nuts for roasting, as they will be healthier this way. Roasted almonds in shell are often found on sale.
How to fry almonds in a frying pan
At home, nuts can be fried using any suitable utensil. Usually a frying pan, a baking sheet, or a saucepan are used. Someone has adapted to do this in a microwave oven. The most popular method is frying in a pan. They do this as follows:
- grease the inner surface of the pan with olive oil;
- Place almonds on a heated surface;
- make sure that the nuts are evenly fried;
- add 2 tablespoons butter;
- fry until golden brown;
- season with seasonings.
Another option is also possible. It is most often used when you need to add almonds to other dishes.Cut the peeled nuts into 4 parts and fry in a dry frying pan. Another recipe for frying in a pan:
- in a large bowl (or plastic bag), mix nuts, olive or any other vegetable oil (can be replaced with lemon juice and water) and sea salt;
- Shake well so that the fat and spices are evenly distributed;
- heat the pan moderately;
- add the prepared nut mass;
- stir fry until golden brown;
- pour from a hot frying pan onto a cold baking sheet, let cool;
- place in an airtight container.
How to roast almonds in the oven
In order to fry nuts in the oven, you must first warm them well at + 180 C. It is not recommended to increase the temperature so that the fruits do not burn and lose their taste and nutritional properties. Next you should take the following steps:
- Place the nuts in an even layer on a clean, dry baking sheet; if you plan to use oil, spices, mix all the ingredients in advance or pour the oil and seasonings onto the baking sheet;
- stir frequently with a wooden spatula;
- keep in the oven until a characteristic crust appears;
- Sprinkle the nut mixture (on a napkin or towel) and cool.
The shelf life of roasted almonds can be extended by storing them in the freezer.
How much can you eat
A healthy person can eat about 30-40 g of product per day.This is about ten nuts a day, for children – half as much. Since almonds are a very fatty and high-calorie product, there are adults who need to eat no more than 5-6 pieces per day:
- for obesity;
- with diabetes mellitus.
Almonds themselves are such a filling product that you can’t eat too much of them. The feeling of hunger after snacking on nuts does not occur for a very long time.
Calorie content of roasted almonds
It should not be forgotten that almonds, like any nut, are very high in calories. 100 g contains about 640 kcal. Nutritionists allow you to eat no more than one or two handfuls of almonds per day.
However, nuts are often fried with the addition of butter, which itself is fatty and high in calories. This combination further increases the energy value of the original product.
Contraindications
Like any other product, roasted almonds are not for everyone. There are people who should not eat it:
- age up to five years;
- metabolic disorders;
- intolerance;
- increased heart rate;
- problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
- allergic reactions.
In any case, you should start eating nuts little by little to make sure that there are no allergic or other negative reactions.
Terms and conditions of storage
Dried nuts in the shell can be stored for up to two years, but roasted ones can be stored for only six months or less. Depends on how the heat treatment and packaging of the product was carried out. If this is an industrial version of roasted almonds, as long as the packaging is intact, it can be stored for the period indicated on the label.After opening the sealed container, the product will remain fresh for 3-4 weeks, just like home-roasted nuts.
After heat treatment, the shelf life of products is greatly reduced, since cell membranes are damaged. And if roasted almonds are stored incorrectly or stored for too long, they acquire a rancid taste and corresponding smell. Therefore, you should definitely smell it before buying.
Roasted nuts can be stored either in the refrigerator or at room temperature. In the latter case, the shelf life is significantly reduced. In both cases, you need to place it in a container that closes tightly and does not allow penetration of sunlight or air. Additionally, you need to learn about roasted almonds and their storage conditions in advance.
Conclusion
Roasted almonds are no less healthy than raw nuts. But it is much tastier, more pleasant and has a good smell. More suitable for snacking or using in culinary compositions.
