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Roasted almonds are a favorite of many. It will not only be an excellent snack, but also a source of a large amount of nutrients.
Are roasted almonds good for you?
Almonds are called long-lived walnuts because 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, vitamins of group B and tryptophan, a substance underlying the production of the "hormone of joy", have a positive effect on the state and work of the central nervous system.
Magnesium is beneficial for women undergoing PMS. The deficiency of this trace element occurs precisely in the female body. Manganese helps regulate blood glucose levels and insulin production. Vitamin E protects the skin and the body as a whole from aging, fights against the damaging effects of radicals.
Roasted nuts in combination with honey stimulates the hormonal system of men, increases the number of active sperm. Helps to restore physical strength after hard training and other physical activity. Supports sexual activity in the male body. The beneficial composition of nuts helps cleanse the blood from excess cholesterol. Protects against anemia due to the presence of riboflavin and folacin.
When properly cooked, roasted almonds 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, in nuts this is already enough, when these products come into contact, vitamin E is destroyed, which is involved in the restoration of body cells, protection of blood vessels;
- do not overexpose on fire.
If you follow all the rules, the benefits of roasted or raw almonds will be about the same.
Which almonds are healthier - fried or raw
There are bitter almonds that are not recommended to be eaten without first roasting. Unripe or, on the contrary, too old fruits cannot be eaten raw. Such 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, it can be unequivocally stated that roasted almonds are healthier.
If the almonds are not bitter, they can be eaten unprocessed, but in small amounts. In raw fruits, all the 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 beneficial properties. Therefore, culinary processing of nuts is best done at home or purchased from a reliable manufacturer. So, to answer the question, which is better raw or fried almonds, you can, taking into account the above factors.
How to fry almonds
Before you start roasting, you need to peel the nuts. There are three ways:
- pour into a container of water of 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 reserves of free time. It is not necessary to peel the nuts for roasting, so they will be healthier. Roasted inshell almonds are common on the market.
How to fry almonds in a pan
At home, nuts can be fried using any suitable dish. Usually use a frying pan, baking sheet, stewpan. Someone has adapted to doing this in the microwave. The most popular way is to fry in a pan. They do it as follows:
- 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 seasonings.
Another option is also possible. It is more commonly used when adding almonds to other dishes. Cut the peeled nuts into 4 parts, 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 (you can replace it with lemon juice and water) and sea salt;
- shake well so that the fat and spices are evenly distributed;
- heat a frying pan moderately;
- pour the prepared nut mass;
- fry, stirring occasionally, 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 roast 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, you should take the following steps:
- put 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 butter and seasonings on the baking sheet;
- stir frequently with a wooden spatula;
- keep in the oven until a characteristic crust appears;
- Pour the nut mass (on a napkin, towel), cool.
The shelf life of roasted almonds can be extended by storing them in the freezer compartment.
How much can you eat
A healthy person can eat about 30-40 g of the 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 a day:
- with obesity;
- with diabetes mellitus.
Almonds themselves are so satisfying that you won't eat a lot of them. The feeling of hunger after snacking on nuts does not come 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 are allowed 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 food, roasted almonds are not for everyone. There are people who do not want to eat it:
- age up to five years;
- metabolic disorders;
- intolerance;
- fast heart rate;
- problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
- allergic reactions.
In any case, you need to start eating nuts in small quantities 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, while roasted nuts can be stored for only six months or even less. Depends on how the heat treatment and packaging of the goods was carried out. If it is a commercial version of roasted almonds, as long as the packaging is intact, it can be stored for as long as indicated on the label. After opening the sealed container, the product will remain fresh for 3-4 weeks, like home-roasted nuts.
After heat treatment, the shelf life of products is greatly reduced, since cell membranes are disrupted. And if roasted almonds are stored improperly or stored for too long, they acquire a rancid taste and a corresponding smell. Therefore, you should definitely smell it before buying.
You can store roasted nuts both in the refrigerator and 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 fried almonds and storage conditions in advance.
Conclusion
Roasted almonds are just as healthy as raw nuts. But it is much tastier, more pleasant and has a good smell. More suitable for snacks or for use in culinary compositions.
