In the context of the upcoming Tour Down Under, however, the humble almond takes on an altogether different aspect, as a study from the University of South Australia’s Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA) is currently exploring.

According to lead researcher, Professor Jon Buckley, bioactive components in almonds and some dried fruits may play an important role in maintaining peak fitness in elite athletes, and ARENA is putting the traditional snack foods through their paces – sans chocolate coating, of course.

“We are running a study in cyclists examining whether bioactive components of foods can improve cycling performance and recovery,” Prof Buckley said.

“Almonds are a rich source of arginine and antioxidants, while grapes and cranberries are also rich in antioxidants and nitrates. Studies show dietary nitrates and antioxidants improve endurance exercise performance by improving muscle blood flow and reducing exercise-induced damage to muscle.”

Professor Buckley’s team will now move into the next phase of their research: a five-week trial designed to examine the benefits of combining almonds, grapes, and cranberries.

A group of volunteers will be put through an elite cycle training program designed by the ARENA team, while being provided a daily dose of either mixed raw unsalted almonds, dried grapes and dried cranberries – known as AGC mix – or nut-free muesli bars.  

“There is emerging evidence that the consumption of almonds and grapes may improve exercise performance, but there is a lack of information regarding any benefits of cranberries or the combination of all three foods,” Prof Buckley said.

“We feel like this is a fantastic opportunity for people to be involved in research that has the potential to make a real impact on exercise performance in a simple, natural way, while providing them with information on their cycling fitness through the measurement of parameters such as  VO2 max that are often only available to elite level cyclists.”