Almonds have been growing in popularity as an increasing number of athletes are beginning to understand that they have plenty of benefits. They are good for your heart as they have a high content of monounsaturated fats – the kind of fats that are responsible for lowering cholesterol while reducing the chances of developing heart diseases. Almonds can be eaten plain or added to salads or other nutritious meals. Reduces blood pressure Endurance athletes must maintain their good cholesterol levels for top performance without any side effects. Almonds can be used to reduce cholesterol levels. Since cholesterol collects in your blood vessels, blood flow to the various organs becomes more difficult. This means that the heart will have to pump with extra force, thus leaving the door open to increased blood pressure. Reducing cholesterol also reduces blood pressure. In addition, almonds constitute minerals such as magnesium, potassium and calcium which play a significant role in lowering blood pressure. Blood sugar Almonds are known to have the right properties to fight against the rise of blood sugar in athletes. As a matter of fact, almonds can control blood sugar levels by lowering the sudden rise in insulin and blood sugar which often happens upon the consumption of a meal packed with carbohydrates, making it the ideal raw food snacking option for endurance athletes who consume lots of carbs. High in antioxidants Many endurance athletes suffer from oxidative stress which hinders their performance. Free radicals cause damage to cells all over your body, which is why proper consumption of antioxidants like flavonoids and vitamin E is very important. These antioxidants are present in almonds and many other nuts, which help safeguard cells against oxidative stress while lowering the chances of developing heart diseases and related ailments. Almonds are nuts, and hence, there is plenty of concern regarding weight gain. It is important to note that almonds have good amounts of calories, which is why many athletes avoid them for fear of putting on weight. However, it must be noted that almonds also have high amounts of monounsaturated fats, fiber and protein which help endurance athletes in their quest. Moreover, they are delicious! Consuming a few nuts on a daily basis will keep your body balanced and weight gain away. Almond-based raw food bars from Raw Snacks, LLC or Raw Snacks Europe are ideal as on-the-go nutritional supplements. For more information on raw foods and to buy organic food online, contact the raw food makers Raw Snacks, LLC/Raw Snacks Europe
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