Today, everything revolves around the almond. I'm sharing our 2die4 knowledge about this wonderful, simple, yet so delicious nut with you, which is so much more than just an occasional snack. You'll learn more about the benefits of activated almonds, how to integrate them into your diet, and how to keep yourself and your body healthy by enjoying almonds. Come along and let yourself be enchanted!
A brief profile of the almond
The almond tree (Prunus dulcis) originally comes from Asia and has long been widespread in southern Europe and California. Even in Germany, there are areas where almond trees grow: in the Palatinate, the time of almond blossom is a single dream in pale pink! Almond trees love it warm and bloom very early in the year. The cultivation of almonds requires a lot of water: about 15,000 liters for one kilogram of almonds. Around 4 million tons of almonds (with shell) are harvested worldwide every year. In California alone, more than 50% of that.
Strictly speaking, the almond is not a nut, but a drupe like apricot or plum. Only its flesh is not edible. What we eat is the seed of the almond tree. The sweet almond, the hard-shelled almond (because of its fragile shell), and the bitter almond are distinguished. The latter is highly poisonous even in small amounts.
Where do the 2DiE4 almonds come from?
At 2DiE4, we source our almonds from a cooperative in Spain. The cooperative is supplied by several small farmers who have been cultivating almonds with a lot of love and care for generations. Interestingly, where our almonds grow, they are not irrigated. The winters are cool and wet, and the summers are warm and dry, which is the perfect climate for our almonds and also more ecologically sound than irrigated plantations.
When the almonds are harvested in September, the kernels are usually still inside the green, dried fruit with their hard shell intact. To remove the flesh, the almonds are soaked first. Then, unlike the usual practice, they are slowly and at low temperatures dried again to guarantee that we get truly raw almonds. Even during the subsequent cracking, care is taken to avoid high temperatures, such as from friction or centrifugal forces. You won't find such wonderful almonds every day!
Why are activated almonds so special?
From these raw almonds, the best activated almonds you can imagine are produced every day in Mooseurach, in the beautiful Bavarian foothills of the Alps. They are so special because over many years we have developed our unique 2DiE4 activation process, which brings out the best in the almonds and benefits your health.
When activating, we gently sprout the peeled, completely raw organic almonds in a finely tuned mixture of spring water and sea salt and then dry them slowly and gently.
In raw nuts in general and especially in almonds, there is plenty of phytic acid. It binds many minerals in the nut and in nature it serves to prevent the important mineral substances from being washed out. However, it makes the minerals useless for our body when we consume raw almonds. But when we soak our almonds, an enzyme in the almond is activated which breaks down the phytic acid and releases the bound minerals.
So when you enjoy our activated almonds, they give you a maximum of freely available minerals and nutrients. They are also easier to digest than their raw colleagues, taste irresistibly good and have a wonderful crunch. Since our almonds are never exposed to high temperatures before they come to us or during activation, all valuable ingredients are preserved. And that is why our 2DiE4 almonds are truly blessed!
How can activated almonds support your health?
Almonds are real little health bombs and multitaskers. Let yourself be inspired! And here's a little tip: always eat your almonds with the brown skin, as many of the valuable ingredients are contained in it.
Almonds provide magnesium
Activated almonds provide your body with plenty of minerals: in addition to potassium, calcium, copper, zinc, and iron, magnesium is particularly abundant. Just 23g of almonds cover 20% of the daily requirement for magnesium. This mineral is especially responsible for smooth transmission of stimuli between nerves and muscles. Therefore, especially if you are physically active, you should always have your activated almonds within reach.
Almonds are a plant-based source of protein
Activated almonds contain about 19% high-quality protein and are therefore a particularly valuable, plant-based source of protein. They can therefore support you particularly well if you eat a vegetarian or vegan diet. They are also an integral part of the alkaline diet.
Vitamins in almonds
Activated almonds provide your body with plenty of minerals, including potassium, calcium, copper, zinc, iron, and most importantly magnesium in greater amounts. Just 23g of almonds cover 20% of your daily magnesium needs. This mineral is particularly responsible for smooth impulse transmission between nerves and muscles. Therefore, if you are physically active, you should always have your activated almonds within reach.
Almonds are a plant-based source of protein
Activated almonds contain around 19% high-quality protein and are therefore a particularly valuable plant-based source of protein. They can support you particularly well if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. They are also an essential part of basic nutrition.
Vitamins in almonds
Activated almonds provide you with many important vitamins, especially B-group vitamins, and larger amounts of vitamin E. Vitamin B3 (niacin) is particularly noticeable among the B vitamins. This plays an important role in the energy production processes in your cells.
Further information on "vitamins in almonds" can be found at this LINK.
Vitamin E has an antioxidant effect
Vitamin E (tocopherol) protects your cells by catching and neutralizing free radicals. It occurs in all cell membranes, protects against inflammation, and stimulates the immune system. Vitamin E is one of the fat-soluble vitamins. Therefore, your body can absorb it particularly well when it comes from almonds, as they also contain many healthy fats. Take a look:
Fats in almonds protect the heart and circulation
Activated almonds are full of healthy fats: the proportion of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids is high. These have a positive effect on cholesterol levels. The vitamin E they contain also protects unsaturated fatty acids from oxidation, allowing them to fully develop their positive effects in the body. A handful of almonds a day can protect you from cardiovascular disease.
Almonds help with weight loss
Activated almonds can help you lose weight. Those who eat about a handful of these wonderful kernels daily have less appetite for carbohydrates and fewer cravings, as almonds keep you full for a long time. In addition, the contained fiber stimulates digestion and supports your intestinal flora.
Almonds keep you young and beautiful
The benefits don't end there - thanks to the antioxidants they contain, almonds act as a fountain of youth. In addition to the mentioned vitamin E, various secondary plant substances protect the body from the consequences of premature aging. It's no wonder that almond oil has been used in many cosmetics for a long time to protect and keep our skin radiant. It works just as well from the inside when you enjoy activated almonds.
How to incorporate activated almonds into your diet
As you already know, you should always enjoy your activated almonds with the brown skin and never heated, as this is the best way to benefit from their nutrients. Whether as a pure snack for in-between, or as a measure against cravings, always take a bag of almonds with you wherever you go.
To avoid boredom, you can also get creative with how you enjoy your activated almonds. Make your own almond butter from activated almonds if you have a food processor. Make sure not to generate heat during the process, as most store-bought almond butters are made from roasted almonds, which can reduce their nutrient content.
You can use your homemade almond butter in a variety of ways: in muesli or porridge, in fruit salad, as a base for sweet and savory spreads or dips, or as a filling for dried figs or dates.
Of course, you can also use your activated almonds as a topping for various dishes. Sprinkle them over a spring risotto with green asparagus and zucchini. Or make yourself a varied salad and top it off with chopped almonds. Or cook yourself a strengthening porridge from buckwheat flakes with plenty of fresh fruit and chopped almonds in the morning.
Activated almonds - your new great love
If you feel even remotely like I do, then activated almonds should now become your new great love in life. Isn't it amazing what these little kernels can do? Sometimes they seem almost inconspicuous next to pecans, macadamias, or walnuts. But far from it! True greatness is hidden behind their simplicity!
Accept this gift and do yourself some good every day with your activated 2die4 almonds.
| 2DiE4 nuts - discover them here! |