Almond Butter Nutrition Information
Almond nut butter is a variation to the classic peanut butter. Almond nut butter contains different nutrients in comparison with peanut butter and also contains a higher amount of essential fatty acids. Some people think that almond nut butter is fattening because it contains a high level of fat, however the fat in almond nut butter is unsaturated, which is heart healthy.
Almond nut butter is one of many variations on peanut butter. (Image: Watcha/iStock/Getty Images)Vitamins and Minerals
Almond nut butter contains several essential water soluble and fat soluble vitamins. Water soluble vitamins are vitamins that must be replaced regularly since the body cannot make them. Fat soluble vitamins are vitamins that the body can make or store from your diet. All of these vitamins aid in people growth and development. A 1 tablespoon serving of almond nut butter contains 100 calories, 10 grams of fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 0 milligrams sodium, 4 grams total carbohydrates, 1 gram dietary fiber and 2 grams protein. Almond nut butter also contains the following recommended daily values of these vitamins: 4 percent calcium, zinc, iron and folate; 2 percent niacin, 8 percent phosphorous and 10 percent magnesium.
Protein
A 2 tablespoons serving of almond nut butter contains 4 grams of protein. Protein composes a large portion of the body's structure, according to the University of Arizona. It is composed of several amino acids, which are arranged in several different combinations. Twenty proteins in total make up the proteins in the body; nine of those 20 are called essential amino acids. These particular amino acids cannot be made fast enough in the body, so you must ingest them from certain foods that you eat. Almond nut butter, like many other nut butters, contains a fair amount of protein in a small serving size. The protein count can be increased if you add almond nut butter to a protein shake.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Mostly all nuts contain omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids help to protect you from heart attack, stroke or heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids are in a higher concentration in cold water fish, such as Mackerel, salmon and sardines, however many nut butters, including almond nut butter, have a fish oil fortified version that significantly increases the omega-3 percentage.
Lowers Cholesterol
According to the Nut Health website, a study published there indicates that a strict vegetarian diet that contains fruit, almonds, vegetables, vegetable oils, oats and barley can help reduce cholesterol about the same as taking statins.
Warning
If you have nut allergies, you may want to consult with a physician before eating any form of nut butter, even if it is not peanut butter. Also if you have fish allergies, check the labeling for added fish oils, before ingesting it.
