Almond flour, which is usually made by finely grinding or blending almonds, can be a great alternative to regular flour in a range of recipes. Whether you are baking or preparing your favorite savory dish, almond flour adds a subtle element of sweetness and a rich flavor to any meal.
It is a highly versatile ingredient that is a relatively shelf-stable essential for any pantry. These are some of the health benefits that almond flour can provide when it is used in baking and cooking, from maintaining regular bodily functions to improving heart health.
Make sure that you are storing your almond flour correctly in order to make it last as long as possible. Click here for a more detailed answer to the question ‘how long does almond flour last?’.
Low Carb
Firstly, there are an increasing number of individuals who suffer from celiac disease or wheat allergies which means that they cannot eat regular wheat flour products or anything that contains gluten. Almond flour is a gluten-free and therefore low-carb alternative in baking and cooking.
For those whose bodies cannot digest wheat or gluten correctly because their digestive system mistakes it for something harmful, almond flour can be a saving grace. It is naturally free from gluten and wheat because it has been made entirely out of almonds.
It is worth noting that pre-ground almonds are occasionally prepared and packed in an area that handles wheat, so you could grind or blend your own almonds to be sure of what is added to your almond flour.
High In Nutrients
Compared with regular flour, almond flour that is made from ground almonds has a range of nutritional benefits. It is naturally high in vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant in the body. Vitamin E is essential for maintaining vision, blood health, and regular brain functioning. It can also reduce the risk of developing cognitive diseases over time.
In addition, almond flour is a great source of magnesium which helps with regular muscle and nerve function as well as the body’s energy production.
Digestive Health
Another health benefit of using almond flour in cooking and baking is the benefits to the body’s digestive health. Compared with wheat flour and other alternatives, almond flour is high in prebiotic dietary fiber. This is essential for the small intestine to function properly, and can lead to a healthier and more efficient digestive health in the long run.
Blood Sugar Management
Because almond flour is lower in carbs than wheat flour, it can be a great option for those wanting to gain more control over their blood sugar levels. It is generally better for diabetics or anyone who is trying to be more mindful of their blood sugar changes during a regular day.
Almond flour has a lower glycemic index which makes it easier for diabetics to handle without suffering from potentially harmful blood sugar fluctuations. This is mainly because it has been processed a little less than regular flour, and the fact that it is directly derived from the almond.
Interestingly, almond flour is low in carbs but still high in healthy fats and fiber. This makes it a highly valuable and nutritious ingredient in a range of recipes. It is a perfect natural alternative that allows people to explore different food groups without worrying about their overall sugar intake.
Regular Flour Alternatives
There is currently a huge selection of wheat flour alternatives on the market that vary in terms of nutritional value, overall flavor, and how heavily processed they have been. As a general rule it is better to choose more natural ingredients, as you will have more control over the total nutrients and number of calories of a dish.
Almond flour has been credited for being a highly effective alternative to regular flour in comparison to other alternatives. This is because it contains more nutrients than coconut and wheat flour on the whole.
Similarly, oat flour is much higher in carbs than almond flour. While the flavor and texture achieved using oat flour is more light and subtle, there is little comparison to almond flour because of how versatile and unique the overall flavor is.
Summary
There are an enormous amount of benefits that almond flour can provide when it is used in cooking and baking. Achieving a subtle nutty flavor that isn’t excessively sweet makes it perfect for savory and sweet dishes.
It is a highly versatile ingredient that is definitely a pantry essential. Find out more about how to store almond flour and what makes it a perfect secret ingredient using the link above.
