In addition to be a tasty and nutritious snack that is high in protein, it appears that almonds may also have some important health benefits, as well. A recent study supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has found that regular consumption of almonds may have significant antioxidative qualities.

Researchers arrived at their findings by studying a group of male and female volunteers who had elevated levels of serum cholesterol. The subjects were given three separate dietary regimens that were identical in caloric content. One group was given a set amount of almonds that was considered a full dose (73 grams, or about 2.5 ounces), a second group was given a half dose, and a third group was given no almonds. The subjects were also put on a low fat diets and were encouraged to maintain a certain body weight while engaging in their usual exercise routines during the course of the study.

After one month, urine and blood samples were taken from the members of each group and analyzed for certain important biomarkers. Biomarkers are substances formed by the body as a result of metabolism and are used as indicators of our physiological state, especially in relation to dietary, pharmacological, and pathological stimuli.

What the researchers found was that when people consumed a full dose of almonds over the one month period, they experienced a significant decrease in the two biomarkers, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and urinary isoprostanes. MDA was decreased by almost 19%, while isoprostanes went down by 27%. These two biomarkers are signs of oxidative stress in the body. While the decrease in MDA was seen only in the full dose almond group, the reduction in isoprostanes was seen in both the full and the half dose group, hinting that there may be a threshold effect.

The authors of the study, published in the Journal of Nutrition, stressed that more work needed to be done before any firm conclusions could be made regarding the antioxidant qualities of almonds, including a better understanding of their vitamin E and flavonoid content. Even still, the results did shed light on a dietary minimum that might still confer some health benefits.

Oxidative stress results when a rise in reactive oxygen in our bodies (a by-product of metabolism) surpasses our body’s ability to remove the toxic intermediates and repair any damage that may result. The consequences of this imbalance can include damage to parts of our cells, including proteins, lipids, and DNA. In fact, oxidative stress has been linked to several chronic conditions, including heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and certain cancers.

Whether or not almonds can actually impede this biological damage is still being studied, but on thing is for certain: almonds are one healthy nut. Besides being packed with vitamins and minerals, almonds are high in monosaturated fats, the same healthy fats that are in olive oil. Consumption of nuts has been linked to a lowering of the risk for heart disease, as well as a reduction in serum cholesterol. Regular consumption of almonds is also believed to help protect us from diabetes.

For more information concerning the link between oxidative stress and diet, consult with your doctor. To learn more about almonds, speak with a nutrition expert and visit the website for the World’s Healthiest Foods.