February 16th Is National Almond Day

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    MODESTO, Calif., Feb. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- From National Heart
 Health Month to Valentine's Day to National Almond Day on the 16th,
 February is a big month for matters of the heart. There's no better way to
 celebrate than to grab a handful of almonds.
 
 
 
     (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080214/14085 )
 
 
 
     That's because a one-ounce handful of almonds a day may be good for
 your heart.1 And if that's not enough reason to love them, they may also
 help maintain a healthy cholesterol level.(1) All this, plus their
 versatility makes them a nutritious snack and a crunchy, flavorful addition
 to recipes.
 
 
 
     Registered dietitian and James-Beard award-winning healthy recipe
 developer Cheryl Forberg recommends almonds for more than just a satisfying
 snack. "On Valentine's Day or National Almond Day, show your sweetheart you
 care by creating something wonderful with almonds," she says. "Not only are
 they linked to heart health, but they're a perfect complement to chocolate
 and berries."
 
 
 
     In addition to contributing to a healthy heart, following are two key
 reasons you can't resist warming up to almonds in February.
 
 
 
     1. Satisfaction. Has your new year's resolution left your stomach
 growling? Well, before you throw it out the kitchen window, try munching on
 a handful of almonds each day in February. Dave Grotto, R.D., L.D.N.,
 author of the new book 101 Foods That Could Save Your Life (Random House,
 December 26, 2007), recommends grabbing a daily handful of almonds because
 their protein, fiber and monounsaturated fat may help keep you satisfied.
 
 
 
     2. Nutrition. A one-ounce, 160-calorie handful of almonds is an
 excellent source of vitamin E and magnesium. Plus, almonds offer potassium
 (200 mg), calcium (75 mg) and iron (1.0 mg). Plus, there's good news about
 fat. The U.S. Dietary guidelines recommend that the majority of your fat
 intake be unsaturated. One serving of almonds (28g) has 13g of unsaturated
 fat and only 1g of saturated fat.
 
 
 
     And now, the Almond Board of California is offering almond tins to
 consumers through their web site, www.AlmondsAreIn.com. Holding exactly
 one-ounce or about 23 almonds, this tin makes it easy to have a satisfying
 snack whenever and wherever. Share with your readers the many, many reasons
 to adore almonds this February and beyond.
 
 
 
     The Almond Board of California administers a grower-enacted Federal
 Marketing Order under the supervision of the United States Department of
 Agriculture. Established in 1950, the Board's charge is to promote the best
 quality almonds, California's largest tree nut crop. For more information
 on the Almond Board of California or almonds, visit www.AlmondsAreIn.com.
 
 
 
     (1) The FDA issued a qualified health claim in 2003 that states:
 "Scientific evidence suggests, but does not prove, that eating 1.5 ounces
 per day of most nuts, such as almonds, as part of a diet low in saturated
 fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

SOURCE Almond Board of California