Expert: Karen McLaughlin, M.Sc., RD - 5/2/2006

Question
Does roasting almonds (at 400 degrees for 10 minutes) lower the nutritional value of the almonds? Does roasting change the chemical composition of the almond oil, ie hydrogenate it? Does roasting decrease the cardiovascular benefits of eating almonds?
Thank you,
MJ

Answer
Hi MJ,

Roasting does not significantly affect most of the nutrients in the almonds. The roasted almonds have lower levels of a couple of B vitamins (thiamin and pantothenic acid) but other than that the nutritional content is not significantly different.

Roasting does not harm the beneficial fats in almonds, or decrease the cardiovascular benefits of eating them. The fats will *not* become hydrogenated during the roasting process.

Hope that helps!

Karen
www.getfitwithkaren.com