“Peanuts! Get your peanuts here!” Just hearing that brings back fond memories of Saturday afternoons at the ballpark.
But in recent years, anything to do with nuts became taboo. They’re bad for you. Too much fat. Too many empty calories.
But, none of those are true. Nuts are actually good for your overall wellness. Their rich texture provides countless health benefits, and when eaten in moderation, make a flavorful addition to your diet.
Here are 5 of the many health benefits of nuts:
Stress reduction – Packed with vitamins B2 and E, almonds help boost your immune system which helps when you’re feeling stressed. And you only need about a quarter cup to do the trick. That’s only about 150 calories. To mix it up a bit, try some almond butter on crackers or sliced fruit.
Hearth Health – It’s true that all nuts have omega-3 fats that benefit the heart, but walnuts are also chocked full of alpha linoleic acid which helps lower the risk of cardiovascular disease by maintaining proper heart rhythm and heart pumping. Just 8 walnuts a day – around 180 calories – helps reduce inflammation and oxidation in the arteries. Eat them whole, or blend in a fruit smoothie to punch up the flavor.
Lung cancer – If you love pistachios, you’ll be glad to know they can also help protect your lungs from disease. Gamma-tocopherol, a form of vitamin E, has been found to reduce the risk of lung cancer. At only about 175 calories per half cup, spending the time to crack them open helps you eat a smaller amount before you’re satiated.
Brain Health – Want a brain booster that’s cheap and delicious – try peanuts. Yes, the most common nut in the bag is also the one that helps improve neural health. High in vitamin B6, and about 200 calories for a quarter cup, you can crunch peanuts one-by-one or smear peanut butter on apple quarters.
Weight management – if you’re looking to enjoy a delicious snack, but still want to maintain your weight, the best nut to eat is . . . all of them! Weight-conscious folks were always leery of eating nuts due to the high calorie count, but eating them wisely actually can help you manage your waistline. The rich texture and crunchiness offer two of the most important sensations when eating. This helps you feel more satiated quicker.
Besides the wide variety of savory flavors and tantalizing textures, the health benefits of nuts have a positive influence on your health. Now you can enjoy your way to a healthier, smarter and trimmer you – start munching away on your favorite kind.
Sources
http://www.livestrong.com/article/289027-nutrition-information-for-14-cup-of-walnuts/
http://www.pistachiohealth.in/faq.html
http://www.studyskillsblog.com/peanut-as-brain-booster/
http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/go-nuts-your-diet
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