almonds

Weight gain and diabetes may have a foe in the wild almond tree. A new study shows that sterculic oil, extracted from the seeds of the wild almond tree Sterculia foetida, could prove helpful in fighting both the obesity epidemic and diabetes.

Researchers from Missouri University of Science and Technology found that the addition of wild almond tree oil in the diets of obese lab mice lowered levels of certain microorganisms in the mice, helping to increase their sensitivity to insulin. The results found big improvements in glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity — two issues that plague individuals that are obese, prediabetic, or diabetic. While the mice fed with sterculic oil did not experience conclusive weight loss, study leader Shreya Ghosh hopes their findings will prove to be helpful in controling diabetes and weight gain in the future.

These roasted maple cinnamon almonds from FitSugar reader CheesePlease make a perfect healthy snack or party appetizer. She posted her recipe in the FitSugar Healthy Recipe community group.

Make ordinary almonds extraordinary! These are easy to make and excellent for snacking! For the recipe, visit my blog Cheese Please.

Don't forget to post your own recipes in our Healthy Recipe group! Yours may be featured on our homepage.

I have a newfound appreciation for all things almond these days. I really appreciate the texture and the flavor (not to mention the health benefits) that this oblong nut brings to recipes. On its own, it stands out as a superb snack or appetizer, but it can also add some serious crunch factor to seemingly mundane dishes. Here are five ways to eat up the almonds sitting in your pantry.

1. Toss up raw, unsalted almonds with salt, black pepper, olive oil, and your favorite herbs and spices and roast them at 375° Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes for a savory snack.
2. Toast almonds in a pan over medium-high heat to get maximum flavor, then add them into any salad.
3. Keep a bag of sliced almonds in your freezer and add them to your morning oatmeal or sprinkle over pancakes for extra crunch and flavor.
4. Make your own almond milk, dry the leftover solids, and use them in baked goods!
5. If you're looking for a truly homemade challenge, grind them into a meal and use them in French macarons.

What's your favorite way to enjoy almonds?

Source: Flickr User mynameisharsha

I'm a bit of a nut head. An entire shelf in my kitchen cupboard is dedicated to my nut collection, with each kind of nut having its own designated jar. I also keep snack sizes of mixed nuts to stash in my purse when I'm heading out the door. When enjoyed in their raw state and preferably organic, nuts are a great source of protein, fiber, and they even lower bad cholesterol and triglycerides level. Not all nuts are created equal, and not watching your nut serving size can often do more harm than good. Here's a primer on getting the most out of your own nut habit.

1. A Mini Nutritional Nut Breakdown: A look at popular nuts including pecans, macadamia nuts, almonds, pistachios, and peanuts. Analysis is based on a one-ounce serving of each nut and includes calorie, fat, saturated fat, and protein amounts.

Keep reading to learn more about your favorite nuts.

One of my favorite perks of the holiday season are the homemade treats that my friends deliver to the house. To reciprocate the kind gesture, I considered doing some canning and cooking for their gifts, but then thought better of the little time I have and decided a jar full of tasty and toasty almonds was a better option. On their own, almonds offer up a bevy of health benefits with the loads of protein, vitamin E, and fiber, just to name a few. Add a dash of cinnamon and a bit of egg protein and you've got yourself a snack that is bursting with flavor and other healthy perks. So before you go buy a bottle of wine for that holiday party, remember to give this a try. It may be more memorable and tasty than any old merlot could hope to be.

Ready to see the recipe? Just read more

I never turn down an invitation to a holiday party. Too often, it's the same for the food, cocktails, and treats that often accompany them. To make sure I'm snacking smart at the soirees' snack stands, I've checked out two popular items that tend to find their ways onto many a hostess's serving tray — olives and almonds.

Ready to see the side-by-side breakdown?

Although deep-frying is a popular way to make a deliciously crunchy chicken, it's not the only method for crusty, finger-licking-good poultry. This recipe demonstrates that finely chopped almonds and a shallow-pan fry result in a succulent and crisp chicken. Served on a bed of lightly wilted spinach and sautéed shallots, it's a simple but well-balanced meal. Pair it with a glass of chilled white wine and you've got an elegant midweek supper. Look at the recipe here.

It's no secret that I'm nuts for nuts. From peanuts and almonds to cashews and walnuts, I'm a fan. A perfect snack for folks on the go, they satiate a hungry tummy while providing a healthy dose of fat and protein. Once upon a time, they were all the same to me. Now I pay attention to which nut I'm eating and how it benefits my diet so I can feel better about what I'm tossing on my salad or into my brownie mix. Almonds, a quick snack fix, and cashews, an age-old favorite, are the two nuts I feast on the most. To see how they fare against each other, check out my side-by-side comparison.