Almonds

A symbol of love and happiness

Throughout history, almonds have enjoyed religious and social significance. The early Romans showered newlyweds with almonds as a fertility charm, and almonds were honored as a symbol of good luck for centuries throughout southern Europe. In the Americas, gifts of almonds represent happiness, romance, good health and fortune. Not to mention that foods featuring the light, sophisticated flavor of almonds are universally loved.

Nutty facts!

• Almonds, a cholesterol-free food, contain 14 grams of fat per one ounce serving and are a good source of dietary fiber.
• An ounce of almonds also gives you 35% of your daily allowance of vitamin E — a valuable antioxidant.
• Just one ounce of this little nut is an excellent source of manganese and a good source of other vitamins and minerals like riboflavin, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper.
• Most of the fat in almonds is mono-unsaturated, which has been shown to lower blood LDL-cholesterol levels.

See nutrition information for fat content.

REFERENCES:

1. USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 23 (2010), www.ars.usda.gov
2. USFDA/CFSAN/Docket 02P-0505 July 14, 2003
3. Nutrition labeling of Food, Code of Federal Regulations, 21 CFR 101.9, Release date April 1, 2010.