Almond meal and almond flour have made it into the race of many fabulous recipes but they often confuse people with their similarities and differences. Are Almond meal and Almond flour the same? Can almond meal be used in the place of almond flour? Despite being produced from that one thing - almond, what makes them different from each other?
Almond Meal compared to Almond Flour
We made an attempt to clear this confusion through various segments that provide information regarding the method of production, distinct features, nutritional values, and implication of almond flour and almond meal in various dishes.
With the rise in various nutrient-bound elements, health-conscious people are embracing smarter eating habits that satisfy hunger as well as works towards the development of the human body in various ways. One such substance that is surfacing the healthy food list these days is almond-based products.
Be it oil, milk, flour, or meal. Almond has made its way to the hearts of health freaks with its incredible merits and multiple application in everyday life. The popularity of an ingredient increases the availability of a wide range of recipes.
How to Make Almond Flour?
Almond flour is one of the nutritious and gluten-free flour. It does not need the complex machine for production nor does it go under any artificial processing. It is easy to make so much so that it can be prepared naturally at home. It involved the process of removing the skin of almonds and then grinding the blanched almonds to the point that a powdery flour-like white substance is acquired. See the recipe for Almond Flour Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars (Gluten-Free | Vegan), Vegan Almond Flour Brownies with Macadamia.
How to make an Almond Meal?
Almond meal is comparatively more nutritious than almond flour. The process of preparing an almond meal slightly differs from that of almond flour as the skin of an almond meal is not required to be peeled off.
Features of Almond meal and almond flour
Coming to the properties, almond flour has a fluffy texture since it is finely ground thereby giving us a more uniform consistency. Because the skin is peeled off while preparing, the color of almond flour is off-white with its flavor being mild and thus it is proved to be an apt choice for healthy recipes.
On the other hand, Almond meal with the presence of skin comes with coarser consistency, dense texture, and comparatively larger grains in it. The unpeeled skin of almonds makes the almond meal brown in color and bitter in taste yet it fills up the gaps by carrying rich nutritional values with it.
Nutritional differences between Almond meal and Almond flour
Given that almond meal is nutritionally rich, it is preferred more over almond flour. The fiber and minerals present in almond skin bless human health in numerous ways. Its excellent antioxidant property fights radicals and does wonders in enhancing digestion, nourishing the skin, maintaining blood pressure, and consequently preventing heart diseases.
A quarter of a cup or 30 grams of almond meal and almond flour includes 180 calories, 6grams of proteins, 16 grams of fats, and 6 grams of carbohydrates. Fiber containment in the almond meal is somewhat higher than almond flour but in another way both contain similar nutritional value.
Health Benefits of Almond flour and Almond meal
Even though almond meal and almond flour contribute almost similar nutritional supplements to your body, and almond meal with little extra fibers does a bit more to your well-being than almond flour. See more Health Benefits of Almond Flour.
Fiber's exceptional role to lengthen digestion keeps your stomach full and delays hunger that helps you consume only the required amount of food. In addition to this, it is also known for stabilizing glucose and controlling cholesterol levels. Apart from fiber, other important nutrients contribute equally to the efficient functioning of your body.
These low-carb ingredients regulate the blood sugar level of your body, reduces appetite, improves good cholesterol levels, and are also proved to be beneficial for curing brain disorders to some extent.
Monounsaturated fats take the charge of maintaining your body mass index and healthy functioning of the heart. The fatty acids from these fats provide additional benefits to your body by absorbing vital nutrients.
Diabetic patients are advised to include the usage of almond flour and meal in their diet for its extraordinary low glycemic index. It controls blood sugar spikes and reduces insulin resistance.
Deadly problems like cancer and heart diseases can also be prevented with the use of almond-based flour. The antioxidant and anti-inflammation protect cells from harmful radicals that could damage cells and cause cancer. Moreover, it also works as an anti-aging element that prevents premature skin. Nutrients like monounsaturated fats, soluble fibers, low carbohydrates, and vitamins control the cholesterol levels and keep the arteries flexible that aids in the smooth functioning of the heart.
Every nutrient does its bit to facilitate a healthy human body. The concentrated amount of manganese in these ingredients contributes to lowering the blood pressure of your body while calcium looks after strengthening your bones. Probiotic supplements with other nutrients help in the proper digestion of food. With the presence of essential vitamins and minerals, almond flour and almond meal are also said to be a good sources of energy.
Implications of Almond meal and Almond flour
The application of almond flour or almond meal is truly beneficial for wheat intolerants. The usage of both the ingredients depends upon the requirement and demand of the food item. The fluffy and smooth texture of the almond flour serves the best in baked dishes while coarser fleck and density of almond meal is desired mostly in cooked items.
Together with being nutritious and healthy, almond meal and almond flour are also super delicious and hence are opted more than any other flour. The ultimate choice of using both the products lies in the way you choose to serve or consume your meal. There’s no doubt in the fact that almonds are highly beneficial for the healthy human body, be it flour or meal.
Ask Me Anything