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Like Almonds? Don’t Consume Them With These 5 Foods
almonds are a nutrient-rich food,offering 3.71 mg of iron per 100-gram serving, contributing too daily iron requirements. However, combining almonds with certain foods can hinder their benefits and even reduce nutrient absorption. Here are five foods best avoided when enjoying almonds:
1. Dairy Products
consuming dairy products alongside almonds can interfere with iron absorption. Dairy contains casein,a protein known to inhibit the body’s ability to utilize the iron present in almonds.
2. Processed Foods
While almonds offer health benefits like weight regulation and protection against diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, pairing them with processed foods can negate these advantages. Processed foods, including packaged snacks and frozen meals, are often laden with ingredients, preservatives, and high levels of sodium. Excessive consumption of processed foods is linked to increased risks of mental health disorders, cardiometabolic diseases, and premature death due to chronic inflammation.
3. Soy Products
Almonds contain oxalates and phytates, naturally occurring compounds in plants. These compounds can bind to nutrients, preventing their absorption. When consumed with soy products – wich are rich in iron, calcium, and zinc - the oxalates and phytates in almonds can reduce the body’s ability to absorb these essential nutrients from the soy.
4. Salty Foods
Combining almonds with salty foods and snacks is not recommended. Excessive salt intake can contribute to hypertension (high blood pressure) and may counteract the heart-healthy benefits of almonds. Opting for almonds alone or unsalted varieties is advised.
5. Refined Sugar
Almonds can help lower the glycemic index of foods by slowing carbohydrate absorption. Though, this effect might potentially be diminished when paired with refined or processed sugar, which is known to cause blood sugar spikes. While almonds can still help moderate blood sugar levels when consumed with refined sugar, further research is needed to fully understand the interaction and determine if the benefits of almonds outweigh the potential drawbacks of the sugar.
These guidelines can help you maximize the nutritional benefits of almonds by avoiding combinations that may hinder their effectiveness.
