Let’s tickle our taste buds with some nut butter talks now! Although it’s nothing but spreadable a form finely crushed nuts that include almond, cashew, macadamia, peanut, pecan, pistachio and walnut (not true nuts in a botanical sense) that result in many different types of nut butters – the sky is the limit! It’s totally worth making your own!
Nut butter can easily replace butter or margarine on bread or toast. Not only is it nutritious but also has a high content of fat, protein, fiber and essential fatty acids.
Soaking the nuts before processing them releases them of chemicals (enzyme inhibitors and toxins – that protect them from both sprouting prematurely and predators), making it easier to digest them and improving their flavor but it is suggested that you soak them only if you can dehydrate them.
Health Benefits of Almonds
The almond we think of as a nut has been long been revered as the epitome of wellness and health. Following gives an insight to some of its health benefits.
Reduce the risk of heart attack: A study shows that people who consume almonds five times a week lower the risk to heart attack by 50% and lower the rise in blood sugar and insulin.
Reduction of ‘bad’ cholesterol: Almonds in diet have a favorable effect on blood cholesterol levels.
Protection of artery walls from damage: Almond skins contain anti-oxidants called flavonoids which work in synergy with the vitamin E, thus reducing the risk of heart disease.
Stronger bone and teeth infrastructure: The phosphorus content in almonds contributes to making this possible.
Essential fat and weight-loss aid: Frequent nut eaters are thinner, on an average, compared to those who almost never consume nuts. As surprising as it might sound, people who consumed nuts at least twice a week were 31% less likely to gain weight than those who never or seldom ate them.
Provide good brain function: Riboflavin and L-carnitine present in almonds boost brain activity and also help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Nourish the nervous system: According to Ayurveda, brain food such as almond helps increase intellectual level and longevity.
Alkalize the body: Almond is the only nut and one of the few proteins that aids alkaline formation. When the body is slightly to the acidic side, one risks osteoporosis, poor immune function, low energy and weight gain.
Raw Vegan Almond Butter Recipe
Homemade Raw Vegan Almond Butter
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw almonds NOT soaked
- 1/4 cup Honey roasted almonds optional
- Neutral tasting oil optional
Instructions
- All you need is our top ingredient – almond. You are free to use dry roasted, unsalted ones. At times, you can also add a few honey roasted almonds to give your almond butter a honey-roasted kick*.
- Process the almonds in your blender/food processor until the texture changes from coarsely chopped to crumbly, to finely ground.
- Process again until the mix attains the texture of a thick spread.
- Scrape it off along the sides of the jar and stir – and dig into the gloriousness that is almond butter!
*During the blending process, you may add 1-2 tablespoons of a neutral tasting oil for a creamier almond butter.
It doesn’t get easier and healthier than this!
Almond Butter Uses
There are whole lot of recipes that benefit from a tad bit of almond butter. From soba noodles to smoothies to brownies, it adds a burst of flavor and protein to your favourite dishes.
Excited to use this in my raw vegan dessert recipes.
