Why do so many Paleo, keto and Bulletproof eaters extol the benefits of almond flour every chance they get? Even when you’re on a so-called restrictive, gluten-free diet, sometimes you really just want a stack of fluffy pancakes, smothered in butter (organic, grass-fed butter, of course). Luckily, removing carbs and gluten from your diet doesn’t have to mean turning your back on the foods you love. With Bulletproof-approved baking alternatives like almond flour and almond meal, you can still enjoy a gluten-free, keto-friendly treat without derailing your performance (or falling off the train completely).

Nuts are mostly considered “suspect” on the Bulletproof Diet, due to potential mold contamination, but used in moderation, almond flour can be a useful tool to shake up your Paleo baking repertoire. This article explore the benefits of almond flour, along with its downsides, nutrition info, and how to use it all kinds of recipes, for nutritious, satisfying, guilt-free baked goods.

Health benefits

The high-fat, low-carb nutrition profile of almond flour makes it an ideal choice for keto-friendly baking. Packed with insulin-regulating fibre, almond flour helps keep your energy levels and focus optimized without the blood-sugar spike (and crash) of high-glycemic flours. In fact, almonds have been shown to lower blood sugar and improve glycemic control, possibly thanks to high levels of magnesium, which boosts insulin-sensitivity.

Almonds are also an excellent food for improving heart health and blood chemistry. Studies have linked almond consumption to increased HDL cholesterol, and lowered total and LDL cholesterol, blood triglycerides, fasting blood sugar and blood pressure.

On top of adding a helpful dose of protein to your baked goods, almond flour packs in antioxidants and trace minerals like iron, manganese and copper. It’s also an excellent source of riboflavin (vitamin B2) and vitamin E, essential vitamins for healthy skin, immune function, energy production and preventing oxidative stress.