Short answer
Almonds are a great heart-healthy snack. However, try not to overconsume them. 15-25 almonds per day is the perfect amount.
Recommended Alternative
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Almonds are chock full of nutrients making them a very healthy snack. They are a very convenient snack as they require no preparation and are available all year round.
Almonds contain fiber, vitamin E, protein, manganese, copper and other nutrients that can help you to stay healthy. Recent evidence suggests that almonds can keep your heart healthy. They are a great form of healthy fats - specifically monounsaturated fats which are known to lower the risk of heart disease.
Almonds are also great for preventing after-meal spikes in blood sugar. Short term, this can help retain and boost your energy after eating a big meal. Long term, this can decrease your risk for both diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The only downsides of almonds come with overconsumption. They are high in calories which can cause unwanted weight gain and high in vitamin E. Although vitamin E is a great nutrient as it provides antioxidant protection, consuming more than 1000mg of the vitamin a day can lead to headaches, diarrhea, blurred vision, and fatigue.
Possible short-term side effects
- headaches if overconsumed
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blurred vision if overconsumed
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diarrhea if overconsumed
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fatigue if overconsumed
Possible long-term side effects
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- lowers risk of heart disease
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lowers risk of diabetes
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boosts energy
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helps prevent gallstones
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helps prevent hypertension
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Blue Diamond Raw Almonds
- Natural whole nuts
- Heart-healthy snack
- High in protein
- Rich in antioxidants
- Resealable freshness
Learn More!
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Written by Rachel Adams
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Rachel Adams
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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