Of all the things to love about almonds, this one should really get your heart pumping: Just a handful of almonds a day may help you maintain healthy cholesterol levels. And that’s good news for just about everyone as cardiovascular disease holds its spot as the leading cause of death among men and women in the U.S.

In fact, the American Heart Association (AHA) has certified almonds to display the Heart-Check mark for heart-healthy foods. This symbol is the most consumer-trusted nutrition icon appearing on packaged food. One study found that more than half of shoppers use the mark as a deciding factor when choosing to purchase a new product.¹  Consumers can now easily identify almonds as a heart-smart food and take the guess work out of shopping.

California Almonds are cholesterol-free and low in saturated fat, making them a deliciously tempting option for smarter meals and snacks. And research is now showing they may also help maintain a healthy heart. In 2003, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a health claim recognizing that California Almonds can help decrease your risk of heart disease. And no, you’re not dreaming.

In addition to the Qualified Health Claim, nine clinical studies to date indicate that almonds can help you maintain a healthy cholesterol level as part of a diet low in saturated fat. You can read all about the studies here.²

So consider integrating a handful a day (about 23) of California Almonds into your lifestyle–they’re a delicious and crunchy snack your heart will love.

1. American Heart Association. 2009 American Heart Association Quantative Study

2.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.

Please note that the Heart-Check Food Certification does not apply to hyperlinks, recipes or  research unless expressly stated. For more information, see the AHA nutrition guidelines at: heartcheckmark.org/guidelines.