Nuts have been consumed for over 7 million years now. Various prehistoric nut cracking tools have been found which were made by man to be able to enjoy eating nuts. Seems our ancestors were nut lovers too. However, today you don’t have to make much of an effort to be able to eat nuts. Just buy pack of processes nuts and munch away to happiness! From great taste to high nutritious value, Nuts have all the goodness to offer. Their crunch and enticing taste compel you to have more and more. So, if you are nut lover, you will be happy to know that along with being a treat for your taste buds, nuts are beneficial for your health. We all know nuts are loaded with all kinds of nutrients, but it is now proven that these are rich sources of antioxidants which are good for you. These not only prevent any damage caused due to oxidative stress in the body but also keel your organs and tissues hale and hearty. Following points will surely increase your love for nuts:
Manage your MUFA levels well!
Fats are strange compounds. If a bad fat can make your health suffer, good fat will make you feel better. Thankfully, nuts are excellent source of MUFA or monounsaturated-fatty acids such as palmitoleic and oleic acids. These healthy fats are known to lower bad cholesterol and increase HDL or good cholesterol. Consumption of MUFA is supports heart health by preventing stroke, coronary artery disease, and promoting a good lipid profile.
Nuts for complete nutrition:
In olden times, hunters and nomads carried pocket full of nuts as a reservoir for energy for long foodless days. This is because nuts are stuffed with generous amount of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals to keep your energy levels pumped up for long hours. Also, nuts being a rich source of antioxidants boost up your immunity and wipe out the deleterious free radicals from the body. All this makes nuts an anytime healthy snack. So, next time you go hungry, satiate your hunger handful of healthful almonds, cashews or walnuts!
Enjoy the goodness of essential fats:
Omega 3 is the star amongst all the fats. It is popular for promoting brain development, reducing high blood pressure, preventing heart attacks, strokes and various cancers. Omega 3 has also been found beneficial in depression, Schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Some nuts have natural plant sterols which has a cholesterol lowering effect.
Assimilate plenty of antioxidants:
Why run around for searching for antioxidant supplements when nuts can help you to fill up your anti oxidant quota with carotenes, lutein, resveratrol etc. These poly phenolic antioxidants are good for you in countless ways. So why not revitalize your nervous system, heart, brain and all other major organs with the some natural antioxidants that you can obtain from nuts. Resveratrol if found in good amounts in peanuts and is extremely beneficial for your blood vessels.
Welcome some essential vitamins in your diet:
There is no better way to incorporate Vitamin E in your diet other than nuts. Vitamin E is a healthy vitamin for your hair, skin, nails and eyes. Being a potent antioxidant, this vitamin also fight damage causing species. Walnuts and almonds are loaded with this essential vitamin. Apart from this, nuts also provide Vitamin B which is required for overall health benefits.
Fix your digestive issues with Fiber rich nuts!
Fiber may not have any nutritious value but plays a key role in improving your digestion. It leads to better absorption of nutrients and prevents constipation. Fiber is a must for weight loss as it slows down the gastric emptying rate and controls the release of sugar into the blood. The high fiber-low glycemic index of nuts male them suitable for people suffering from diabetes too. Nuts are good sources of both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber with almond being the richest source. You can add them to green leafy salads or whole grain breakfast cereals to meet your fiber demands.
You must remember that even though nuts are small in size, a handful of them can cater to your needs. So hide the packet or jar after taking one helping to avoid overeating. Also, make sure that you buy fresh nuts and consume them timely. Although they may be dried, storing them more long can deteriorate their quality and taste.
Avoid salted or fried nuts. It is best to go for unsalted raw or roasted nuts for maximum health benefits.
The bottom-line is that there is no good reason to avoid nuts anymore. Whether you start your morning with these power packets or munch them for your evening snacks, nuts will always pamper your health in the best possible way. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and make your meals nutty and healthy.
