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Roasted almonds are a favorite delicacy of many. It will not only be an excellent snack, but also a source of a large amount of nutrients.
Are roasted almonds healthy?
Almonds are called the nut of centenarians, 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 an antidepressant and anti-stress effect. In addition to magnesium, B vitamins and tryptophan, the substance that underlies the production of the “hormone of joy”, have a positive effect on the state and functioning of the central nervous system.
Magnesium is useful for women undergoing PMS. The deficiency of this microelement occurs 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, fights the damaging effects of radicals.
Roasted walnut in combination with honey stimulates the hormonal system of men, increases the number of active spermatozoa. Helps restore physical strength after hard training and other physical exertion. Supports sexual activity in the male body. The beneficial composition of nuts helps to cleanse the blood of excess cholesterol. Protects against anemia due to the presence of riboflavin and folacin.
Roasted almonds, with proper heat treatment, retain almost all the beneficial properties of a fresh product. A slight loss of bioactive chemical elements is allowed, but the difference in this case is rather insignificant. It is important not to commit the following violations of the technological process:
- do not raise 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 overcook on fire.
Subject to all the rules, the benefits of roasted or raw almonds will be approximately the same.
Which almonds are healthier – fried or raw
There are bitter varieties of almonds that are not recommended to be eaten without prior roasting. Raw can not eat unripe or, conversely, too old fruits. Such almonds have a bitter taste, which indicates the presence of amygdalin in its 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, it can be unequivocally argued that roasted almonds are healthier.
If the almonds are not bitter, they can be eaten raw, but in small quantities. In raw fruits, all useful composition is preserved, which is completely absorbed by the human body and brings it invaluable benefits. Roasted almonds, if cooked at high temperatures, lose much of their health benefits. Therefore, it is better to cook nuts at home or purchase them from a reliable manufacturer. So, you can answer the question of which is better raw or roasted almonds, given the above factors.
How to roast almonds
Before you start roasting, you need to clean the nuts from the skin. There are three ways:
- pour into a container with water at normal temperature and leave for 6-12 hours, and after that they will be perfectly cleaned;
- pour boiling water 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.
It is necessary to choose a cleaning method depending on the possibilities and stocks of free time. For roasting, it is not necessary to peel the nuts, so they will be healthier. On sale, roasted almonds in the shell are often found.
How to fry almonds in a pan
At home, nuts can be fried using any suitable dish for this. Usually use a frying pan, baking sheet, stewpan. Someone adapted to do it in the microwave. The most popular way is frying in a pan. Do it like this:
- grease the inside of the pan with olive oil;
- put almonds on a heated surface;
- make sure that the nuts are evenly fried;
- add 2 tablespoons of butter;
- fry until golden brown;
- season with spices.
Another option is also possible. It is more often used when you need to add almonds to other dishes. Peeled nuts are cut into 4 parts, fried in a dry frying pan. Another pan fry recipe:
- in a large bowl (or a plastic bag), mix nuts, olive or any other vegetable oil (you can replace it with lemon juice and water) and sea salt;
- shake well so that the fat and spices are evenly distributed;
- heat the pan moderately;
- pour the prepared nut mass;
- stir-fry until golden brown;
- pour from a hot pan onto a cold baking sheet, let cool;
- place in a sealed container.
How to roast almonds in the oven
In order to fry the nuts in the oven, you must first warm up well at + 180 C. It is not recommended to overestimate the temperature so that the fruits do not burn and lose their taste and nutritional properties. Next, the following steps should be taken:
- put nuts on a clean, dry baking sheet in an even layer, if you plan to use oil, spices, mix all the ingredients in advance or pour oil and seasonings on a baking sheet;
- stir often with a wooden spatula;
- keep in the oven until a characteristic crust appears;
- Pour the nut mass (on a napkin, towel), cool.
You can extend the shelf life of roasted almonds by storing them in the freezer compartment.
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:
- with obesity;
- with diabetes.
The almonds themselves are such a satisfying product that you can’t eat a lot of them. The feeling of hunger after a snack with nuts does not come for a very long time.
roasted almonds calories
It should not be forgotten that almonds, like any nut, are very high in calories. 100 g contains about 640 kcal. Nutritionists are allowed to eat no more than one or two handfuls of almonds per day.
However, often nuts are fried with the addition of butter, which in itself is fatty and high-calorie. This combination further increases the energy value of the original product.
Противопоказания
Like any other product, roasted almonds are not for everyone. There are people who do not want to eat it:
- age up to five years;
- metabolic disorders;
- intolerance;
- rapid heart rate;
- gastrointestinal problems;
- allergic reactions.
In any case, nuts should be eaten little by little to make sure that there are no allergic or other negative reactions.
Terms and conditions of storage
Dried shelled nuts can be stored for up to two years, but roasted nuts can be stored for only six months or less. Depends on how the heat treatment and packaging of the goods was carried out. If it is an industrial version of roasted almonds, as long as the package 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 broken. And if it is incorrectly stored or stored for too long, roasted almonds acquire a rancid taste and a corresponding smell. Therefore, before buying it, you should definitely smell it.
Roasted nuts can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature. In the latter case, the shelf life is significantly reduced. In both cases, it must be placed in a container that closes tightly and does not allow the penetration of sunlight and air. You need to learn more about roasted almonds and their storage conditions in advance.
Conclusion
Roasted almonds are no less useful than raw nuts. But it is much tastier, more pleasant and has a good smell. More suitable for snacks or use in culinary compositions.