To Peel or Not to Peel: The Debate on the Best Way to Eat Almonds

Today everyone is talking about “healthy eating”. It’s such a buzzword that has drifted this generation to a fitter life. We have become calorie counters and nit-pickers when it comes to the plate. One such food which confuses many is the amazing almond. Many patients ask me what’s the best way to eat almonds.

Whether they should soak it or not. Peel it or not peel it. There are a lot of questions about eating your almonds right! The unending “what to” and “what not to”, “how-to” and “how not to”, the truths and the myths! So, in this blog, I will bring you the answers to these questions.

Read on to know the best kind of almonds, their benefits, and the right way to eat them!

Also Read Walnuts – The amazing nuts to rewire your brain.

The best way to eat almonds

The goodness of almonds is known to all. But everything else about it is hazy and blurry. How many almonds one should consume daily? Am I susceptible to almond allergy? These and many such questions often cloud our minds.

Many patients come to me asking about the story of original Dangal girls eating 250 grams to half kilos of almonds daily. They wonder if they should consume the same amount? 

Recently, a wonderful couple, V G Gururaja and Chandrika Gururaj, visited me. I have known the couple for the past 10 years. They bought me a huge packet full of almonds. And they told me about the superiority of Californian almonds. It was really very tasty.

Californian Almonds – The best way to eat almonds

Californian Almonds are the best quality of almonds available in the market. In fact, California is the only place in North America where they commercially yield almonds.

Due to the fantastic weather conditions and fertile Mediterranean soil, almonds grow abundantly there. And that too, without genetic engineering. That’s why almonds of this quality are sold at higher prices. And they are often called the ‘pearl’ of California.

Amazing Benefits of Almonds

The little nuts are regarded as highly nutritive nuts. They are excellent Vata-pacifier. The white nuts also aid in lubricating the skin and promoting better circulation of blood. Further, it’s rich in iron, which makes them great food for the reproductive tissues. It aids in the development of brain cells in growing children.

Almonds are rich in minerals like magnesium which make them a very good anti-oxidant. Fibers and protein make almonds awesome for digestion and are dense energy providers. Almond milk is a very common drink that doctors recommend to lactose-intolerant patients.

Also Read: Amazing Benefits of almond oil

Health benefits of Almonds

Almonds contain monounsaturated fatty acids which protect us from cardiovascular diseases.  It also reduces the risks of diabetes, glucose homeostasis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Almonds have good popularity in cutting down the bad cholesterol (LDL) in the body. 

As we were discussing the benefits, Chandrika Gururaj popped the million-dollar question. ‘Should we peel this almond before eating’. In modern science, it is found that the brown covering of the almonds has tannic acid which is a nutrient inhibitor. This doesn’t allow the high nutrients from the almond to break down into the bloodstream. 

In Ayurveda, this brown covering is hard to digest. This covering can also increase pitta in the body. Therefore, Ayurveda recommends soaking the almonds in warm water overnight and then peeling them off before consuming. 

My Answer to your question

Eating 4 soaked almonds each day is the secret to a healthy heart, the perfect weight, amazing skin, and a lot more!!!

Patients Asked Questions

Should I peel almonds before eating them?

Nope, you don’t have to peel almonds before munching on them! Almonds can be enjoyed with their skins intact, which not only saves you time but also adds a delightful crunch and a hint of extra flavor.

Are there any benefits to eating almond skins?

You betcha! Almond skins contain a boatload of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin E, making them a powerhouse of nutrition. By keeping the skin on, you maximize the health benefits and get a boost of dietary goodness.

Can eating almond skins cause any harm?

Nah, not at all! Almond skins are perfectly safe to eat and offer a myriad of health benefits. Unless you have a specific allergy or sensitivity to almond skins, there’s no need to worry. So go ahead and enjoy them!

But aren’t almond skins tough and hard to digest?

Well, let me set the record straight for ya! While almond skins might seem a tad chewier than the nut itself, they are entirely digestible. In fact, the fiber in almond skins aids digestion and promotes a healthy gut. So fear not, your tummy will handle them just fine!

Is there a difference in taste between peeled and unpeeled almonds?

You got it! The skins on almonds bring a mild earthy flavor and a touch of bitterness to the nut. Some folks find it adds depth to the overall taste experience, while others prefer the milder flavor of peeled almonds. It all comes down to personal preference, mate!

Can I easily remove the skins from the almonds if I want to?

Absolutely, you can if you fancy! If you desire the taste and texture of peeled almonds, you can blanch them quickly to loosen the skins. Just dip ’em in boiling water for a minute, then give ’em a plunge into some ice-cold water. The skins will slip off like a breeze!

Do blanched almonds lose any nutrients in the process?

Not to worry, my friend! While blanching almonds might cause a teeny-tiny loss of some water-soluble nutrients like vitamin C, the majority of the almond’s nutritional value remains intact. So go ahead and blanch away if you prefer the skinless version.

Can I use almond skins for anything else?

You bet the bottom rupee you can! Don’t let those almond skins go to waste. Some folks use them in baking, grinding them into a fine powder for a touch of almond flavor in their goodies. Get creative and explore the culinary possibilities, mate!

Are there any specific recipes where almond skins are preferred or required?

Well, fancy that! There are indeed a few recipes where almond skins are traditionally used, such as marzipan or almond paste. The skins not only enhance the flavor but also provide a lovely speckled appearance. But remember, it’s all about personal taste, so feel free to experiment!

Can I buy pre-peeled almonds if I don’t want the hassle?

You betcha, mate! If peeling almonds sounds like a chore or you’re simply short on time, you can find pre-peeled almonds in most grocery stores or online. They come in handy for quick snacks or when you’re in a pinch. Convenience is the name of the game!