“I’ve had enough”.
They’re high in protein, healthy fats and fibre, making them a must-have snack for those who care about their health.
In particular, almond flour has become really popular in gluten-free and low-carb diets, as it often replaces traditional flour in baked goods.
But one wellness writer thinks this might not be such a good thing.
In a clip republished from the Culture Apothecary podcast, host Alex Clark chats with author and internet personality Sally K. Norton about what she calls “the most toxic food you can eat.”The video, reposted from the Instagram account @quiero.transform, has gone viral, racking up more than 1.4 million views.
“It’s a health food,” Clark says in response to Norton’s statement about almonds. “At least, that’s what I thought until five minutes ago.”
So, why does Norton think almonds are harmful?
Well, he says they’re full of natural toxins that make them difficult to digest, and one of the main concerns is the high oxalate content.He says, “Oxalate is my favourite toxin because it’s often consumed in excess.”Oxalates are naturally occurring compounds found in many plant-based foods, such as spinach, red beets and, it turns out, almonds.
Clark seems surprised when Norton adds that almonds are not only high in oxalates, but also contain other compounds that irritate the gut.
‘This is why people with inflammatory diseases should not eat nuts,’ Norton explains. ‘They are very taxing on the digestive system and much of the inflammation can start in the gut.
What’s the issue?
Almonds contain oxalates, so if you’re someone who’s prone to kidney stones, it’s better to stick to low-oxalate foods.
The National Kidney Foundation says that oxalates can stick to calcium in the kidneys and form stones in people who are susceptible to them. (Via)
As for “indigestible” almonds, studies have shown that while nuts may be harder to digest than other foods, they also have prebiotic properties that can contribute to gut health in many cases. (Via)
One study even found that the fibre and polyphenols in almonds can act as food for gut microbes, helping to regulate the composition of the microbiota. (Via)
So, what are the commentators saying?
Some users agreed with Norton and shared their experiences, while others disagreed or got frustrated by the information.
One user commented, “Thank you. I feel so entitled to try almond milk and almond flour when they came on the market.
My instinct told me no, but I can eat almonds no problem.”Another wrote, “I ate a gluten free donut and thought I couldn’t eat gluten free products. Nope, it was just the almonds.
‘Another person wrote: ‘Notice they don’t cite any studies, it’s obviously 100% nonsense.I really think people who post things like this on the internet should be banned.’
And someone else wrote: ‘Oops, I’ve had enough, I’m so over awareness. We’re exhausted.