Healthy Recipe of the Week: Cocoa Dusted Almonds

Almonds are considered to be one of the most nutritious nuts of all nuts. They are packed with healthy fats, biotin, vitamin E, manganese and copper among tons of other vitamins and minerals. We, at OHM, recommend almonds for a snack; hence our healthy recipe of the week is Cocoa Dusted Almonds.

Healthy Recipe: Health Benefits of Almonds

1. Almonds reduce the risk of heart attack by 50 per cent.
2. Almonds lower bad cholesterol levels, according to a study conducted by the Director of Health and Research and Studies Center, Dr. Gene Spiller.
3. Almonds protect the artery walls against damages. The flavonoids in almond skin work in complement with the vitamin E, therefore reducing the vulnerability to heart diseases.
4. The phosphorus content in almonds helps build strong bones and teeth.
5. The healthy fats in almonds can aid weight loss. In the Nurses’ Health Study, it is recorded that people who eat almonds at least twice a week have 31 percent less probability to gain weight than those who seldom eat this nut.
6. Almonds help regulate glucose and insulin spike after meal; hence good for diabetics.
7. Almonds help in good brain functions. The L-carnitine and riboflavin help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and further boost the activity of the brain.
8. In another study, Almonds are discovered to have an ability to increase longevity and intellectual levels as they nourish the nervous system.
9. Finally, since almonds can alkalinize the body, it is a good protection against poor immune function, osteoporosis, and lethargy.

Ingredients for this healthy recipe:

• 2 cups of whole almonds (raw)
• 2 tbsp. of cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 2 tbsp. of agave syrup
• 2 tsp. of sea salt

Note: These ingredients can make 2 cups.

Preparation of this healthy recipe:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mix the almonds, sea salt and agave syrup in a large bowl. Make sure to coat all almond nuts. You may use a rubber spatula for easy mixing.
3. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange the almonds in one layer.
4. Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for ten minutes. During the baking process, stir the almonds twice to prevent them from burning.
5. Take the baking sheet out of the oven and place the baked almonds back into the bowl.
6. Put the cocoa powder and toss to coat.
7. Allow the almonds to cool and store them in an air tight container.