Almonds are a scam
They're loaded with anti-nutrients, enzyme inhibitors & deleterious pesticides (like glyphosate)
Why you should ditch the almond milk:
They're loaded with anti-nutrients, enzyme inhibitors & deleterious pesticides (like glyphosate)
Why you should ditch the almond milk:
On paper, almonds are relatively nutritious:
- Vitamin E
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Vitamin B2
BUT these beneficial compounds are abysmal in comparison to the anti-nutrient profile of almonds (not to mention pesticides)
- Vitamin E
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Vitamin B2
BUT these beneficial compounds are abysmal in comparison to the anti-nutrient profile of almonds (not to mention pesticides)
Anti-nutrients are compounds found in plants that interfere with your ability to absorb/utilize nutrients.
Excessive consumption can lead to nutrient deficiencies
Anti-nutrients found in almonds:
- Phytic acid
- Oxalates
- Tannins
- Lectins
Excessive consumption can lead to nutrient deficiencies
Anti-nutrients found in almonds:
- Phytic acid
- Oxalates
- Tannins
- Lectins
Phytic Acid (IP6)
This anti-nutrient binds to certain minerals, making them unabsorbable:
- Calcium
- Iron
- Zinc
Excessive phytic acid consumption is commonly associated with anemia
This anti-nutrient binds to certain minerals, making them unabsorbable:
- Calcium
- Iron
- Zinc
Excessive phytic acid consumption is commonly associated with anemia
Oxalates:
These compounds also bind to minerals, making them less absorbable.
Oxalates also bind to calcium in the kidneys, forming crystals that lead to kidney stones
They're also irritating to the digestive tract
These compounds also bind to minerals, making them less absorbable.
Oxalates also bind to calcium in the kidneys, forming crystals that lead to kidney stones
They're also irritating to the digestive tract
Oxalates also interfere with your ability to absorb iodine, a mineral essential for proper thyroid function
Tannins:
High levels of tannin consumption have been linked with digestive issues (why over-steeped tea can make you nauseous)
They also stain your teeth, inhibit certain digestive enzymes crucial for nutrient absorption & interfere with protein absorption
High levels of tannin consumption have been linked with digestive issues (why over-steeped tea can make you nauseous)
They also stain your teeth, inhibit certain digestive enzymes crucial for nutrient absorption & interfere with protein absorption
Lectins:
Lectins are type of protein with similar anti-nutrient properties
- Autoimmune reactions
- Nutrient absorption interference
- Digestive issues
some types of lectins (mainly found in grains & legumes) are considered toxic in large amounts
Lectins are type of protein with similar anti-nutrient properties
- Autoimmune reactions
- Nutrient absorption interference
- Digestive issues
some types of lectins (mainly found in grains & legumes) are considered toxic in large amounts
In small amounts, these compounds may be beneficial. They have certain anti-oxidant properties and can provide a hormetic (good) stress effect on the body
The concern comes when you're consuming these in high volumes over an extended period of time
The concern comes when you're consuming these in high volumes over an extended period of time
Anti-nutrients are a primary contributor to vegan deterioration. Partly why so many people who go vegan end up looking sickly, hypothyroid, and have messed up teeth
Their diet is inherently nutrient-deficient & antinutrient-dense. Recipe for disaster
Their diet is inherently nutrient-deficient & antinutrient-dense. Recipe for disaster
Like most industrial crops, pesticide use is rampant in almond cultivation
Although there are multiple shell layers between the outside world & the almond, they're still notably adept at absorbing pesticides
Although there are multiple shell layers between the outside world & the almond, they're still notably adept at absorbing pesticides
And no, organic doesn't mean free of pesticides
Organic means they can only use 'natural' pesticides
Over a hundred pesticides are authorized by organic farming regulations in the US/Europe
Organic means they can only use 'natural' pesticides
Over a hundred pesticides are authorized by organic farming regulations in the US/Europe
While many of these natural pesticides are safer than glyphosate/atrazine, some still carry health concerns
Rotenone, for example has been linked to a number of health concerns:
- Neurotoxicity
- Respiratory issues
- Skin irritation
- Carcinogenic properties
Rotenone, for example has been linked to a number of health concerns:
- Neurotoxicity
- Respiratory issues
- Skin irritation
- Carcinogenic properties
Not to mention, Rotenone is damaging to the environment
Its highly toxic to aquatic life, leeches into waterways and persists for long periods of time
Its highly toxic to aquatic life, leeches into waterways and persists for long periods of time
So to answer the inevitably asked question:
No, organic almond are not much better
No, organic almond are not much better
It's no coincidence almonds are being pushed as a dietary staple.
They're a 9 billion dollar industry.
Organizations like the Almond Alliance, Almond Board & Almond Growers Association pump millions of dollars a year into lobbying & marketing to keep demand high
They're a 9 billion dollar industry.
Organizations like the Almond Alliance, Almond Board & Almond Growers Association pump millions of dollars a year into lobbying & marketing to keep demand high
Produce categories are marketed just like consumer packaged goods. They have campaigns, lobbying incentives, & significant political sway
This goes for other food too
- Kale
- Avocado
- Dairy
- Soy
This goes for other food too
- Kale
- Avocado
- Dairy
- Soy
If you are going to eat almonds, you can reduce the anti-nutrient load by:
- Sprouting
- Roasting
- Soaking
- Sprouting
- Roasting
- Soaking
I'm not saying to avoid almonds completely. A dash of nut milk in your coffee isn't going to kill you
I'm just saying be aware. They're not the health food they're chalked up to be & shouldn't be a dietary staple
I'm just saying be aware. They're not the health food they're chalked up to be & shouldn't be a dietary staple
Remember, no food is inherently good or bad. Concern comes when you consume certain foods at high volumes for an extended period of time
Cycle everything, do your research, & weigh the pros & cons
If mineral absorption & gut health are a priority, maybe ditch the almond milk
Cycle everything, do your research, & weigh the pros & cons
If mineral absorption & gut health are a priority, maybe ditch the almond milk
If you're set on drinking almond milk, make sure its actually almond milk (organic almonds & water)
Store bought almond milk is loaded with synthetic vitamins, seed oils, and emulsifiers like guar/xantham gum & carageenan
Store bought almond milk is loaded with synthetic vitamins, seed oils, and emulsifiers like guar/xantham gum & carageenan
Coconut milk is the only acceptable non-dairy 'milk' in my opinion.
Once again, store-bought options are mid
Here's a thread on how to make your own:
Once again, store-bought options are mid
Here's a thread on how to make your own:
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