Almonds contain vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber, and so they may offer a number of health benefits. Just a handful of almonds contains one-eighth of a person’s daily protein needs.

Almonds are high in fat, but it is unsaturated fat. This type of fat does not increase the risk of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol.

In addition, almonds contain no cholesterol. Almonds, along with other nuts and seeds, may help improve lipid, or fat, levels in the blood. This can benefit heart health.

Almonds contain relatively high levels of vitamin E. Vitamin E contains antioxidants, such as tocopherol. Vitamin E and other antioxidants help prevent oxidative damage in the body.