Do you know which type of vitamin E the human body absorbs best? It’s called alpha-tocopherol vitamin E and lucky for you, California Almonds are one of the leading food sources of this important antioxidant. It can help neutralize nasty free radicals in your body and help you feel your best day and night.
So what are free radicals? They’re unstable molecules that form as your body burns oxygen. Free radicals can damage your cells, tissues, and even your DNA. And researchers believe this process may contribute to the development of some chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
Data shows that most Americans get only half of their recommended vitamin E per day and almonds are the ideal way to close that gap. In fact, just one ounce of almonds (about 23) contains 35% of the Daily Value for vitamin E. Not too shabby.
Plus, in a study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, experts found that almonds contain flavonoids and phenolics in their skins similar to certain fruits and vegetables. For example, a crunchy one-ounce serving of almonds contains a similar amount of total polyphenols as one cup of green tea and ½ cup of steamed broccoli—certainly something to smile about.1
Check out these other foods containing antioxidants.
The Oxygen Radical Absorbency (ORAC) is a scientific test measuring the total antioxidant potential of various foods. Values are reported in Trolox Equivalents (TE) per 100 grams.2
1. Milbury, P.E.; Chen, C.; Dolnikowski, G.; Blumberg, J. Determination of flavonoids and phenolics and their distribution in almonds. J. Agric. Food Chem, 2006, 54,5027-5023.
2. USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Nutrient Data Laboratory. Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity of Selected Foods. 2007. Accessed from: http://www.ars.usda.gov/Services/docs.htm?docid=15866
3. Good news about good fat: U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend that the majority of your fat intake be unsaturated. One serving of almonds (28g) has 13g of unsaturated fat and only 1g of saturated fat.
