Who knew that a little snack of almonds could be the golden ticket to preventing heart disease, lowering bad cholesterol, and actually conquering your craving?

Researchers have determined that we should no longer fear the fat content in almonds (seriously, I personally don't fear almonds with all the other junk I might eat throughout the day). Instead, we should munch on about a handful throughout the day. 

Being a vegetarian, this is a great snack for me because I hate tofu, and so I have a hard time getting protein into my system. Almonds help out tremendously in that area and they're super versatile in other heart healthy recipes.

If you're still a non-believer, check out these benefits:

• A 1 oz. handful of dry-roasted almonds could help lower LDL (low-density lipoprotein), or bad cholesterol.
• Good source of protein.
• Excellent source of Omega-9 fatty acids.
• High in fiber (blocks fat absorption).
• Satiating (they fill you're belly).

So, if this sounds like a good idea to you, make sure that you don't go overboard and eat the whole bag of almonds in once sitting. Remember: the study said 1 ounce! Also, the sugary/salted kind don't count. Make sure they are dry-roasted, unsalted, and no sugar added. Happy healthy snacking!