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Nut Hemp Heart Bars
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Nature's "Good" Fat: The Almond
Almonds are the most widely grown and eaten tree nuts. Not only are they tasty, but they are also very good for the body. The seed of the almond fruit is what we refer to as the almond nut.
Almonds are high in monounsaturated fatty acids, a "good" fat responsible for lowering LDL cholesterol. This health-promoting fat has been associated with reducing cholesterol, thus reducing the risk of heart disease. Almonds are often recommended as a building food for those who are underweight.
Almond Nutrition
A quarter cup of dry toasted almonds contain the following Daily Value (DV) of:
- 15.3 % (7.63 g) Protein - more protein than is provided by the typical egg, which contains 5.54 g.
- 45.0 % (0.90 mg) Manganese & 20.0 % (0.40 mg) Copper – both essential cofactors of a key oxidative enzyme called superoxide dismutase, which disarms free radicals produced within the energy production factories inside our cells, thus keeping our energy flowing.
- 44.9 % (8.97 mg) Vitamin E – this potent antioxidant helps prevent the accumulation of plaque in the arteries.
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition shows that when the flavonoids found in almond skins team up with the Vitamin E found in the almond meat, together they deliver more than double the antioxidant punch then when they are administered separately.
- 24.7 % (98.67 mg) Magnesium – when there is enough to go around, veins and arteries breathe a sigh of relief and relax, improving the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
- 21.9 % (0.07 g) Tryptophan – it may enhance relaxation and sleep, relieves minor premenstrual symptoms, soothes nerves and anxiety, and reduces carbohydrate cravings.
- 17.6 % (0.30 mg) Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) – Riboflavin attaches to protein enzymes called flavoproteins (found in the heart and other muscles) that allow oxygen-based energy production to occur.
- 16.9% (168.70 mg) Phosphorus – the body's source of phosphate, which helps create and manage energy, synthesize protein, fat and carbohydrates, contract muscles, and maintain the body's fluid and electrolyte balance.
- 7.25% (257 mg) Potassium – an important electrolyte involved in nerve transmission and the contraction of all muscles, essential for maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function.
- 0% (0.3 mg) Sodium – like potassium it promotes cardiovascular health, making almonds an especially good choice in protecting against high blood pressure and atherosclerosis.
Claimed Health Benefits
of Almonds Include:
- Improved complexion.
- Improved movement of food through the colon.
- The prevention of cancer.
- Elevating the blood levels of high-density lipoproteins.
- Lowering the levels of low-density lipoproteins.
- A nutritive for brain and nervous system.
- Can help protect some people against Alzheimer's disease.
- For Diabetics - almonds have a higher glycemic index, and including them in a meal can help keep your blood sugar under control.
- For Vegetarians/Vegans – almonds are a great non-dairy source where one ounce of almonds contains about 10 percent of the recommended daily allowance of calcium.
 DID YOU KNOW?
Almonds are an ancient food. They were thought to have originated in regions in western Asia and North Africa.
The Romans referred to almonds as the "Greek nut" in reference to the  civilization suggested to have first cultivated them.
In Greek mythology, the story of a beautiful princess, Phyllis, waited for years for her betrothed, Demophon, to return to her. She died of a broken heart, and in sympathy, the gods transformed Phyllis into an almond tree, making it a symbol of hope. When Demophon returned to find Phyllis as a leafless, flowerless tree, he embraced the tree and the tree suddenly burst into bloom, demonstrating a love not conquered by death.
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What Are Hemp Hearts? 
