Modesto, CA (February 21, 2011) – The American Heart Association (AHA) recently certified almonds based on their nutrient profile to display the signature Heart-Check mark . The Heart-Check mark is overseen by AHA to help make it easier for shoppers to identify and choose heart-healthy foods. This symbol is the most consumer-trusted nutrition icon appearing on packaged foods—in fact, research shows that more than half of shoppers use the mark as a deciding factor when choosing to purchase a new product.1 Consumers can now easily identify almonds as a heart-healthy choice.
In 2003, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a qualified health claim recognizing that consuming most nuts, including almonds, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.2 In addition, nearly two decades of research support the role of almonds in helping to maintain a healthy heart and healthy cholesterol levels.
"We know that consumers have relied on the American Heart Association's Heart-Check mark to easily identify heart-healthy foods for more than 15 years," said Dr. Rachel Johnson, Ph.D., R.D., the Bickford Green and Gold Professor of Nutrition at the University of Vermont and an American Heart Association spokesperson. "Adding nuts, fish and other foods that are rich sources of good fats, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, enhances the program and gives more healthy options consumers can choose with the same trust factor."
According to a survey of 500 health professionals, almonds are the nut they most recommend for heart health benefits.3
In order to qualify for the AHA Heart-Check mark, nuts (whole or chopped) must contain 4 g or less saturated fat per 50 g, less than 0.5 g trans fat per Reference Amount Customarily Consumed (RACC) and per label serving, 0 mg cholesterol per label serving, 140 mg or less sodium per label serving, less than 0.5 g added fats per RACC, and less than 1 g added carbohydrate per RACC. The amounts and sources of the added fats and carbohydrates must be disclosed.
In addition, foods must contain 10% or more of the Daily Value for at least one beneficial nutrient such as protein or dietary fiber per RACC.4
Per ounce, almonds provide 13 g of healthy unsaturated fat, only 1 g of saturated fat, and are naturally cholesterol-free. Almonds also deliver protein (6g), fiber (3.5g), calcium (75mg), vitamin E (7.4mg), riboflavin (0.3mg) and niacin (1mg), all of which contribute to a healthy heart.5
"Nutrition research has long supported the heart health benefits of almonds," says Jenny Heap, MS, RD, Health Professional Marketing Manager, Almond Board of California. "Now consumers will be able to more easily identify almonds in the supermarket as a heart-smart food, helping take the guess work out of shopping."
The wide availability and versatility of almonds make it easy for clients and patients to incorporate a heart-healthy choice into any meal or snack.
- Whole almonds make a satisfying on-the-go snack
- Sliced almonds top yogurt or oatmeal for added texture and crunch
- Slivered almonds add texture to vegetables and salads
- Crushed almonds make a flavorful crust for meats and seafood
Visit AlmondBoard.com to find out more about the Almond Board's commitment to heart health. The site offers heart health and nutrition research, educational tools for health professionals, and mouth-watering almond-inspired recipes.
Consumers all over the world enjoy California Almonds as a natural, wholesome and quality food product, making almonds California's leading agricultural export in terms of value. The Almond Board of California promotes almonds through its research-based approach to all aspects of marketing, farming and production on behalf of the more than 6,000 California Almond growers and processors, many of whom are multi-generational family operations. Established in 1950 and based in Modesto, California, the Almond Board of California is a non-profit organization that administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture. For more information on the Almond Board of California or almonds, visit www.AlmondBoard.com.
1. American Heart Associtation. 2009 American Heart Assocaition Quantative Study
2. One serving of almonds (28g) has 13g of fat and only 1g of saturated fat.
3. Sterling Rice Group, 2011 North American AAU, July 2011, page 28.
4. American Heart Association Heart-Check Program Nutritional Guidelines. September, 2011. Available at : http://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@fc/documents/downloadable/ucm_432070.pdf.
5. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 2011. USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference. Release 24.
For More Information:
Lanier Dabruzzi, MS, RD
(202) 973-4780
Lanier.Dabruzzi@porternovelli.com
Jenny Heap, MS, RD
(209) 343-3244
JHeap@almondboard.com