We already know that those packages of “mixed nuts” are deceiving us – peanuts are not nuts, you silly snack wrapper, they’re legumes – but little did we know that’s only the start of it.
Almonds are also living a lie. Almonds are not actually nuts at all.
Well That’s Nuts… I Mean Seeds
When you grab a handful of those tasty, protein packed morsels of goodness, you’re actually devouring the seeds of the almond tree. The almond fruit, a drupe, consists of a grey-green hull surrounding a hard woody shell that protects the precious seed that’s hidden inside.
Despite the ease with which we can procure 100s or 1000s of these little guys at a time, they’re actually a rather well protected seed that require a fair amount of effort to procure. And when treated as such, they are 100% paleo.
Phytic Acid
Despite having the paleo seal of approval, almonds have a relatively high amount of phytic acid, one of the primary toxins found in the grains and legumes that we adamantly denounce.
This just means that the next time you find yourself reaching for handfuls of almonds or preparing that paleo dessert that’s heavy on the almond flour or meal, remember that those innocent little seeds are a precious snack to be savored and not meant to be a staple of your paleo diet.
As a snack, almonds are a great portable source of protein, manganese, potassium, copper and vitamin E, just don’t overdo it. Chris Kresser has an excellent post all about phytic acid, Another Reason You Shouldn’t Go Nuts on Nuts.
