Are your almonds truly raw?

 

This may come as a surprise, but if you are buying raw almonds grown in the United States, they are NOT actually raw! Even if they are labeled “raw.” I know, hard to believe right?

 

People have been asking me about this a lot lately, so I thought we would discuss this unbelievable topic. Most people, well I should say everyone, I have talked to is unaware of this fact. Raw Almonds are a popular and a favorite healthy snack and people ask me all the time if they can have them either as just a healthy option or if they can have them while they are on some sort of healing journey.

​Well consider this…..

Effective September 2007, the USDA ordered all almond growers to “sterilize”, or treat, almonds in one of several ways. 1) heat them using steam, 2) irradiate them using an ionization process that is very controversial, 3) roast or blanch them, and my favorite, 4) treat them with propylene oxide (PPO).

PPO is a known carcinogen, and most countries, include the EU, have banned imported nuts treated with PPO. To go even further, this chemical is so nasty and harmful it has even been banned by both the National Hot Rod and American Motorcycle Racing Associations, where it has been used as a fuel additive before they said it was too dangerous.

This new rule created some very deceptive labeling. Almonds that have undergone chemical treatments or heating for pasteurization are still labeled “raw.” I bet you as a consumer who purchase “raw” almonds think that those almonds are natural and unprocessed. Even better, there will be NO label requirement to specify what kind of pasteurization treatment was used among the many approved methods or combinations thereof. [in case you are interested here is the source]

So, in fact almonds can be steamed, irradiated, or treated with chemicals, and still be labeled as raw!

This is not the first time there has been a battle over nuts. The FDA sent a Warning Letter to a nut processor and distributor because the company dared to list some of the  health benefits of walnuts on its website. The FDA said that the walnuts were being “promoted as drugs because these products are intended for use in the prevention, mitigation, and treatment of disease.” In other words, if you say food is healthy and may help protect against heart disease, or ease arthritis or inflammation, your words have magically changed that food into a drug, and that’s illegal!

There are a couple ways around this to make sure you are purchasing truly raw almonds. One is to buy directly from the farmer. You can do this either at a farmer’s market or online.

In the past there have been multiple suppliers online. However, I can only find a couple at this time.

Blue Mountain Organics – you can find truly raw nuts from Italy on this site

You can also buy almonds that were grown outside the USA. Even though I do not support Whole Foods, they do carry true raw Italian almonds. Check your local store and if they don’t have them, ask the store manager to start carrying them.

***If you do buy raw almonds grown in the USA, stick to organic types to avoid the chemical pasteurization process. These are usually cheaper than truly raw almonds.

In your best health,

​Dr. Don Sharnowski

 

Patient Testimonials

Dr Don Sharnowski is a doctor who is above and beyond all other doctors! Probably his most outstanding quality is that he LISTENS to what his patients say. He is willing to explain things to his patients in terms they can understand. Dr Don treats his patients with wisdom, understanding, gentleness, care, encouragement and he is willing to "go the extra mile" to give his patients the proper treatment they need. He does not treat patients like they were on an assembly line or like he is rushing them out the door. Dr Don has fixed many of the problems I had at my first visit, one of which I had endured for 3 years. Dr Don was able to fix that problem in 2 weeks when others had not. Dr Don has also helped me loose 40 lbs so far. My total recovery is still an ongoing process, but should be a cinch with Dr Don's expert help! Thank you, Dr Don! You are an awesome answer to prayers!

Karen G.

Super Awesome Doctor in Overland Park, Kansas!! He really knows his stuff love his Holistic approach. Wish I lived closer so I could see him on the regular, at least we can chat on the regular! Very informative in all aspects of health! Five years ago this man took our health and turned it around 360 degrees. My son got ear infections very often. Both my boys have respiratory issues. My husband asthma and overweight. Myself aches and pains, specifically on my left side and joints. Well needless to say no more ear infections respiratory not nearly as often my husband is 80lbs less and never uses his inhaler . My sons ear infections...What ear infections...They are no longer! Thanks Dr. Don for all you do and have done!!

Lots of Love from The Stevens

Dr Don Sharnowski is truly an amazing Doctor. He listens to his patients and treats in a very complete way. He is very knowledgeable because he never stops learning. He is a great communicator and will help you learn better ways to be healthy if you will actually do what he teaches.

Cassie N.

Don (Dr Sharnowski) is truly one of a kind. He is warm, inviting and incredibly generous with his time, but also really knowledgeable about the body and everything within. You won't find crystal balls here. You'll find a super nice guy in sneakers who also sells farm fresh eggs at the counter. I went in expecting to get adjusted (and was scared, because I'd never seen a chiro before). Instead, what I experienced was someone who actually sat down and listened to my history, connected the dots between several ailments (instead of jumping to prescribe one drug apiece to treat each one), and explained things that no one had ever taken the time to do. I was there about my back specifically, but we talked about my whole health. Instead of just prescribing an anti inflammatory (which is what my other doc did), he explained why we get inflammation in our bodies, and how to help reduce it with what we eat. I've also been on thyroid medication for over 10 years, and he actually explained what the thyroid is, and what the drug I take is, and what it does. But not in a defensive or overly crunchy way. He just openly explained in a way that I could understand it. I highly recommend Don to anyone with a body who wants to feel better. His approach is approachably holistic. Just common sense, whole body-centered treatment.

Megh K.

Scroll to Top