Need a healthy snack to get you through the day? In addition to being inexpensive and easy to store, nuts are packed with nutritional goodness, containing unsaturated fatty acids and other nutrients that aid a healthy lifestyle.
Not convinced? Check out our 5 reasons to make nuts your signature snack going forward.
- May help with heart health. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, scientific evidence suggests, but does not prove, that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, such as almonds, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Contains calcium for strong bones. Nuts carry a lot of important vitamins and minerals, including one that most people don’t even think of − calcium. Usually associated with dairy and dark leafy greens, calcium works with vitamin D to build your bones and keep your body’s systems running at peak performance.
- Full of fiber. All nuts contain fiber, which helps keep you regular, and is also thought to play a role in preventing type 2 diabetes. In addition, fiber makes you feel full, so you eat less.
- Fuels your work out. If you want to get the most out of your exercise routine, then eat cashews. Out of all the nuts, cashews contain the most carbohydrates and iron. Cashews have more carbohydrates and iron than other nuts. They are good sources of protein and zinc − key nutrients for cell growth and repair. Throw them in your gym bag for a quick snack.
- Helps with weight management. If you are interested in weight loss or maintaining your current weight, almonds might be an option for you. The combination of protein, fiber and fat is the trifecta of satiety. Add almonds to your breakfast cereal or yogurt, or sprinkle some on your salad later in the day.
But keep in mind, because nuts are so high in calories (and so tasty, to boot!), it’s important to practice portion control when eating them as a snack.
*Source: Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.org
*Source: California Almonds, www.almonds.com
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