Why Almond Flour Is Better Than Most Other Flours

Medically Reviewed on 7/19/2022
Why Almond Flour Is Better Than Most Other Flours
Almond flour is an excellent choice if you are on a low-carb or high-fat diet.

Almond flour is great for people who are gluten intolerant and looking for low-carb flour. 

Almond flour contains more nutrients and a higher concentration of healthy fats, minerals, and vitamins than other flour. It lowers the risk of heart disease (hypertension) and is known for its low glycemic index.

Furthermore, it has fewer carbohydrates and more healthy fats (high-density lipoprotein) and proteins than other flours.

Almond flour vs. other flour nutritional chart

Table. Difference between almond flour and other flours
Dietaries Almond flour (200 grams) All-purpose flour (200 grams) Wholewheat flour (200 grams)
Calories 1142 728 664
Fat 100 2 4
Carbohydrates 44 152.6 149
Fiber 14 5.4 26.2
Protein 42.8 20.6 19.2

7 reasons why almond flour is better than most other flours

  1. Excellent source of energy
    • Almond flour can provide energy because it contains more calories, fats, and protein.
    • Furthermore, most fats in almond flour are monounsaturated fats, which are considered healthy fats and are beneficial to the heart.
    • Because almond flour has no cholesterol by nature, it is an excellent dietary option to improve cardiovascular health.
  2. An important source of nutrients
    • Almond flour is high in protein, copper, vitamin E, iron, manganese, magnesium, potassium, calcium, etc.
    • Almond flour contains calcium, which is essential for bone health.
    • Magnesium is essential for a healthy metabolism and nerve, muscle, and immune function.
    • A quarter cup of almond flour alone provides about 40 percent of the body's daily vitamin E needs. Vitamin E protects you against free radicals and toxins that accelerate the aging process.
    • Almond flour contains folate, niacin, and vitamin E, which have antioxidant capabilities and help get healthy skin. It strengthens the body's immune system by shielding cells from free radical damage.
    • Aside from vitamins, almond flour contains phosphorus and zinc, which are important for most body functions.
  3. Fewer carbs
    • Almond flour is an excellent choice if you are on a low-carb or high-fat diet.
    • Almond flour is high in omega-6 fatty acids.
    • Essential fatty acids are important because your body cannot produce them, so you must obtain them from your diet.
  4. May help with fullness
    • Fiber and protein are both proven to improve satiety and keep you feeling fuller for longer.
    • Compared to wheat flour, almond flour has significantly more protein and fiber.
  5. May help with heart health
    • Almond flour includes heart-healthy unsaturated fats that may help reduce cholesterol levels.
    • Almonds' healthy fats may reduce low-density lipoprotein (“bad”) cholesterol and increase high-density lipoprotein (“good”) cholesterol.
    • Good fats lower cholesterol levels, significantly lower blood pressure, and minimize the risk of blood clot development in the body.
  6. Gluten-free
    • Gluten is a protein found in grains, such as wheat, rye, and barley. If you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, your immune system will react to gluten, causing inflammation and digestive difficulties.
    • To alleviate these symptoms, adhere to a gluten-free diet and avoid bread and other baked items.
    • Gluten-free baking with almond flour allows you to continue eating the foods you prefer.
  7. Excellent for baking
    • Almond flour is widely used in baking. It provides the appropriate balance of fats and proteins, making it a wonderful ingredient to make cakes, cookies, muffins, and bread.
    • Almond flour is quite satiating. As a result, it can manage weight by creating a sensation of fullness in between meals. It is advisable to store almond flour in the refrigerator to ensure its longevity.

QUESTION

According to the USDA, there is no difference between a “portion” and a “serving.” See Answer

What is the difference between blanched and unblanched almond flour?

There are substantial variations between blanched almond flour and unblanched almond flour. Depending on how these flours are utilized, their weight, appearance, and texture are affected.

Blanched

  • Refers to the removal of the almond peel from the nut. A coat of red-brown skin encircles the kernel in raw almonds.
  • Depending on whether the skin is left in the flour, the texture changes. There will be no almond peel in blanched almond flour.

Unblanched

  • Unblanched almond flour utilizes the entire almond, including the skin.
  • Because unblanched almonds retain their skin, they appear reddish brown. This will result in the same red-brown specks in the milled flour.
  • Color can cause foods to seem different, which might be a disadvantage for some.
  • Many people, however, do not mind the tiny hue variances and find it far more appealing. Unblanched almond flour could be even heavier than blanched flour.
  • Unblanched almond flour is completely natural and has several health advantages.

Almonds have been shown to enhance skin health, increase vitality, and contain several vitamins and minerals. Both blanched and unblanched may provide similar benefits in different variations.

What are the possible side effects of almond flour?

Like with any food, moderation is the key, and almond flour should be used in the diet in moderation. Excess use of almond flour in diet may lead to:

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Medically Reviewed on 7/19/2022
References
Image Source: iStock image

Health Benefits of Almond Flour. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-almond-flour

Is Almond Flour Gluten-Free? https://www.beyondceliac.org/gluten-free-diet/is-it-gluten-free/almond-flour/

Almond Flour. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/553156/nutrients