Rethinking 5 myths about Almonds

You read a lot about the benefits of almonds, from health and nutrition to contributing to a sustainable

and circular ecological economy. However, there are a few myths about the world’s #1 nut that need to be cracked open. Below we share the 5 myths we see most from customers busted by the CA Almond Board, with years of research and proven farming techniques by California almond farmers.

1. Almond farmers use tons of water - As you may know, California has a precarious relationship with their water from year to year, especially in the Central Valley where much of our agriculture is grown. While it is true that ground crops and orchards need water to grow, California farmers have worked to successfully reduce the amount of water needed to grow produce over the last couple decades using improved production practices and micro irrigation technology. In fact, over 85% of California almond farmers implement micro irrigation to ensure effective water use at nearly two times the rate of California farms overall.

2. Almonds contain a lot of calories and fat - Almonds are among the nuts lowest in calories and saturated fat, while being packed with nutrients. One 1-ounce (28g) serving of almonds contains: 160 calories 6g of energy-packed protein. As a result, nearly two decades of research support the role of almonds in helping to maintain a healthy heart and healthy cholesterol levels. Scientific evidence suggests, but does not prove, that eating 1.5 ounces of most nuts, such as almonds, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.

3. Almonds contribute to weight gain - Almonds contain soluble and insoluble fiber, which have been shown to help you feel satiated, so you eat less and stay satisfied longer after snacking. Scientific evidence suggests that when eaten as a part of a healthy diet, almonds do not cause weight gain and may even have beneficial effects on body composition, especially in overweight or obese adults.

4. Pollinators – like bees – don’t benefit from almond tree growth - Almond orchards and bees enjoy a mutually beneficial relationship:

   • Almond trees provide bees with:

     • Nutritious almond pollen – their first major food source of the year – which boasts the 10 essential amino acids their diet needs.

     • Nectar that contains a compound called amygdalin which reduces certain viral diseases in bees and supports their gut health.

   • Bees help move almond pollen from tree to tree, pollinating almond blossoms that will eventually grow into an almond. The almond industry is steadfastly committed to the protection of bees. Since 1995, the Almond Board of California has been working with leading universities, researchers and non-profits to solve the challenges bees face

5. Big corporations run almond farming - Over 90% of almond farms are family-run – with many being multi-generational – meaning they really care about the future of their orchards. Avila and Sons Farms located in Hanford, California is one of those multi-generational family run farms. Learn more about us here.

Information in this post was provided by the Almond Board of California