Health Benefits of Almond Flour
Almond flour is naturally gluten-free, so it's perfect for those with gluten sensitivities or who just want to eat less gluten. It's good for the heart. Studies have shown that almond consumption may reduce LDL cholesterol and support healthy blood pressure. Almond flour is also rich in magnesium, a mineral that promotes a healthy stress response to promote healthier heart function. Almond flour has a low glycemic index, especially when compared to other flours. As part of a healthy diet, eating more almond flour may improve insulin sensitivity. It's nutrient-dense. Almond flour is higher in calories than less nutrient-dense flours, so it has staying power that can curb hunger, unlike baked goods made with over-processed grains. It's rich in lots of nutrients your body needs:

• Healthy fats
• Fiber
• Antioxidants
• Calcium
• Riboflavin
• Magnesium

One of the best health benefits of almond flour is that it can replace less healthy flour and can even be consumed as part of a gluten-free, ketogenic, or low-carb diet without eliminating bread entirely.

Almond Flour vs. Almond Meal

Almond meal is typically made from raw whole almonds (minus the shell) ground into a coarse powder. It is ideal if you want a lumpy, bread-crumb-like texture in food such as a cookie, muffin, or breaded food. Alternatively, Olam Nuts almond flour is blanched before fine grinding for a much smoother texture, making it superior for baking since its consistency is more like wheat flour. However, its nutrition profile is far superior. Almond flour will therefore deliver a baked good with a more consistent, light, and smooth texture.

Cooking & Baking with Almond Flour

Olam Nuts almond flour can substitute for traditional flours like all-purpose or wheat, 1:1 cup for cup. You may also choose to only substitute part of the flour in a recipe. 1/3 cup of almond flour for every 2/3 cup of flour, for example. Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe Ingredients:

• 2 cups of Olam Nuts Almond Flour
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ cup coconut oil melted and cooled
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 12-14 Olam Nuts Organic Almonds as garnish (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat to 350 degrees F
• Cover a baking sheet with parchment and set it to the side.
• In a bowl, combine almond flour, salt, and baking soda.
• Melt coconut oil, if solid, and stir with maple syrup into the bowl.
• Add chocolate chips.
• Scoop tablespoon-sized dough onto the cookie sheet 2 inches apart. Gently flatten and place an almond on top.
• Bake for 12-14 minutes. They'll be light brown.

Tip: Cookies made with almond flour will spread more than cookies made with traditional flour because they lack gluten. They will be thinner and crispier. You didn't do it wrong. Eat and go nuts for more!