Almond butter is a hot commodity for health seekers looking to expand their palate horizons. Of all the nut butters on the shelves, consider almond butter the cream of the crop for its laundry list of potential health benefits and nutrient-dense properties. But not only is it healthy, it’s also easy to make right in your own kitchen! We’re teaching you how to make almond butter in a blender so that you can always have a smart and satisfying snack on hand.
Health Benefits of Almond Butter
Before we teach you how to make your own almond butter, let’s review why this treat is such a good option. Almonds qualify as Nutrisystem PowerFuels for their protein and healthy fat content. These factors can aid in weight loss by balancing your blood sugar and staving off hunger.
Almonds are high in Vitamin E, an antioxidant that can do wonders for your skin and hair, fight free radicals within the body and protect against aging. The fatty acid component found in almonds can also work double-time as an anti-inflammatory agent and cholesterol reducer.
As if that weren’t enough, the fiber content in almonds can aid in digestion, the riboflavin may boost brain activity, and the potassium can help you maintain a healthy blood pressure. Almond butter is also rich in energy-boosting nutrients like manganese, riboflavin and copper, making it the perfect pairing for a snack that keeps you feeling fueled throughout the day.
How to Make Almond Butter
If you’re on the Nutrisystem weight loss program, one tablespoon of almond butter makes a great quick and easy PowerFuel option. Try spreading it on toast, using it as a dip for apple slices and celery, or in your next baking venture or smoothie recipe. Bust out the blender and go nuts with this simple, DIY recipe for homemade almond butter, which yields about one cup of the creamy stuff!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dry-roasted, unsalted almonds
- Sea salt, to taste
Directions:
- Add almonds to a blender or food processor and blend, periodically stopping to scrape the sides of the blender. Helpful hint: The whole process should take about 10 minutes in total, depending on equipment used. The contents will be grainy at first but as the mixing process continues, the almonds will release their oils, creating a rich and creamy substance.
- Add sea salt to taste, a little at a time, and continue to blend.
- (Optional) Boost the flavor and health benefits by adding the ingredients below.
- Store in an airtight jar and refrigerate.
Spice it up, literally.
Add some extra flavor to your almond butter with unlimited spices! Mix in some cinnamon for an antioxidant all-star, turmeric for an anti-inflammatory heavyweight, or nutmeg for possible pain relief and digestive health benefits.
Give it a boost.
Pump up the potency of your almond butter by adding flax seed, chia seeds or any other nutrient-packed superfood.
Use it in a recipe.
Not sure how to use up all of your delicious, homemade almond butter? From sweet desserts and delicious smoothies to easy snacks and even savory meals, there are plenty of ways to get creative with this healthy ingredient.
Check out the healthy almond butter recipes below:
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