We include products we think are useful. If you buy through links on this page, we earn a small commission
Macadamia nuts are one of the most popular and delicious nuts on the market, but did you know that Marcona almonds are even healthier? The queen of almonds is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for good health, making them one of the best nut choices you can make. Marcona almonds health benefits include improving your metabolism, promoting weight loss, boosting brain health, and decreasing your risk of heart disease.
What are Marcona almonds and where do they come from
Any almond guru will probably have heard of Marcona almonds, yet most people are unfamiliar with the term. It is also commonly referred to as “Spanish almonds”. The Spanish use Marcona almonds in many of their dishes and this is why they are so well-known throughout the world. Classic matiz Marcona almonds are roasted in olive oil and have a soft, creamy texture. Their unique flavor and light saltiness make them a perfect match for Spanish cuisine, especially those which contain fish and seafood.
Marcona almonds are native to the Iberian peninsula and are mainly grown in the region of Valencia. They were originally introduced by the Moors and quickly became popular throughout Spain. This classic almond variety is now grown in all parts of the world and is a much-desired ingredient for cooking, baking, and raw snacking.
The virtues of marcona almonds were soon recognized as they contained more calcium and iron than a serving of regular almonds. Normal almonds don’t provide adequate intakes of calcium. The daily value of calcium needed is 1,000 mg and a serving of Marcona almonds provides 270 mg just by eating one ounce.
Marcona almonds nutrition profile
This gourmet almond is one of the most prized and delicious almonds in the world. Marcona almonds have a unique flavor that is both sweet and nutty. The key nutrients in one ounce (28 grams) of marcona almonds health benefits provide excellent health benefits:
- Monounsaturated fats – the healthy fats that can help to lower LDL cholesterol.
- Polyunsaturated fats – this is another healthy fat found in your typical almonds.
- Vitamin E – is a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect cells from damage and is responsible for the moisture content of your skin.
- Protein – Marcona almonds are a rich source of protein, which is essential for cell growth and repair.
- Fiber – helps to keep you regular and aids in digestion.
- Minerals – such as magnesium, potassium, and zinc. These are essential for many bodily functions including blood pressure regulation, muscle contraction, and nerve function.
- Iron – the daily value of iron in Marcona almonds is 7%. This is important for carrying oxygen in the blood and for cell growth.
As you can see the daily values for most of the key nutrients are pretty high. This means that just a handful of Marcona almonds can help you reach your daily nutritional needs. Marcona almonds are a great snack idea that can have a significant impact on your overall health.
11 health benefits of Marcona almonds
1. Improves metabolism
The high oil and protein content of Marcona almonds can help to improve your metabolism. This means that your body will be able to burn calories more effectively, helping you to shed excess weight quickly. Adding a handful of Marcona almonds to your daily diet is an excellent way to help boost your metabolism and keep your weight under control.
Related: 7 Ways to Boost Digestion You Never Knew Existed + [Video]
2. Reduces cholesterol levels
High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, so it’s important to keep your cholesterol levels under control. Tree nuts, such as Marcona almonds, are a rich source of monounsaturated fats. These essential fatty acids can help to reduce cholesterol and increase levels of “good” cholesterol in your body. If you have high levels of bad cholesterol, adding Marcona almonds to your diet can help to keep your heart healthy.
3. High in antioxidants
Marcona almonds contain high levels of phenols, which are natural plant compounds that act as antioxidants. These important nutrients can help to protect your body against damage from free radicals, which are harmful molecules that can lead to cell damage and a number of chronic diseases. Including marcona almonds health benefits in your diet can help to keep you healthy and prevent disease.
4. Rich source of magnesium
Magnesium is an important mineral that plays a role in over 300 biochemical reactions in your body. It’s involved in energy production, muscle contraction, and the synthesis of proteins and DNA. If you have low levels of magnesium in your diet, it can affect your energy levels, immune system, and sleep quality. Fortunately, Marcona almonds are a rich source of magnesium, so including them in your diet can help to keep you healthy and energetic.
5. Full of fiber
Marcona almonds contain high levels of dietary fiber, which is essential for good digestive health. Fiber helps to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in your gut, keeping your digestion regular and reducing inflammation throughout the body.
6. May reduce risk of diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance, which happens when cells stop responding to normal blood sugar levels. High-fiber foods like marcona almonds health benefits have been shown to improve insulin metabolism, lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes over time.
Related: 11 Health Benefits Of Drinking Olive Oil And Lemon Juice
7. Helps maintain healthy bones
Marcona almonds are a good source of calcium and phosphorus, two minerals that are essential for strong and healthy bones. Including marcona almonds health benefits in your diet can help to prevent osteoporosis and keep your bones healthy as you age.
8. Keeps your brain healthy
Marcona almonds are a rich source of vitamin E, which is an important nutrient for maintaining cognitive function. Vitamin E has been shown to protect against age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. Adding Marcona almonds to your diet can help to keep your mind sharp as you age.
9. Improves heart health
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, so it’s important to do everything you can to keep your heart healthy. Marcona almonds are a good source of monounsaturated fats, which have been shown to improve heart health by reducing LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels. Including Marcona almonds in your diet is an excellent way to boost your heart health and reduce your risk of heart disease. If your blood sugar is too high, Marcona almonds can also help to lower it and improve your insulin metabolism.
10. May protect against cancer
Free radicals can damage cells and lead to the development of cancer. Antioxidants like those found in Marcona almonds can help to protect cells from damage, reducing the risk of cancer. Some studies have even shown that eating tree nuts like Marcona almonds may lower the risk of certain types of cancer, including prostate, breast, and colorectal cancers.
11. Improves skin health
Vitamin E is not only good for your brain, it’s also good for your skin. This important nutrient helps to protect skin against sun damage and can reduce inflammation and the appearance of wrinkles. Including Marcona almonds in your diet can help to keep your skin looking young and healthy.
12. Boosts weight loss
If you’re trying to lose weight, Marcona almonds can help. These nuts are high in monounsaturated fats, which have been shown to reduce appetite and help you feel full for longer. Including Marcona almonds in your diet can help to promote weight loss and keep you feeling satisfied between meals.
13. Versatile and easy to add
Marcona almonds are incredibly versatile and easy to add to your diet. They can be eaten raw or roasted, used in stir-fries or salads, added to desserts like cakes and cookies, or even used as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal. No matter how you choose to incorporate them into your diet, Marcona almonds are a delicious and healthy way to boost your nutrition.
How to use Marcona almonds in your diet
Matiz valencia almonds are known for their high quality and delicious taste. These Marcona almonds are an excellent snack as they’re crunchy and nutritious at the same time. Sunflower oil is often used to coat Marcona almonds before roasting them. You can add these nuts to many dishes, such as salads or desserts, to enhance the flavor of your dish.
The almond essence has a nice buttery flavor and delicate aroma. Truffle Marcona almonds are a good source of protein and are used widely in Mediterranean countries. This specialty variety of almond, the Marcona almond is relatively new to the United States.
The shelf life of Marcona almonds is quite long – about a year, if stored in a cool and dry place. Make sure there’s air circulation in your storage container to keep the nuts from going rancid.
Here are some ideas on how to use Marcona almonds in your diet:
Almond flour – true baking fans will love the idea of using almond flour in their recipes. You can make all sorts of baked goods with this type of flour, from cakes to bread to cookies.
Salads – Marcona almonds make a delicious addition to any salad, from green salads to grain or bean salads. Try adding them to your favorite Mediterranean or Asian-inspired salad recipes.
Desserts – Marcona almonds can be used in a variety of dessert recipes. They can be chopped and sprinkled on top of cakes or cookies, or used to make almond buttercream frosting. You can also use them to make homemade nut milk or nut-based ice cream.
With their delicious taste and many nutritional benefits, Marcona almonds are a great addition to any diet. So, get creative and start incorporating them into your meals today!