Health Benefits of Nuts

Nuts are a huge hit when it comes to snacking! We’ve been told that they are healthy for us, we know that the contain protein, but what else is in there? There’s a whole lot more to nuts than most people realize!

Here’s a list of some common nuts and their nutritional benefits:

Almonds

• Help aids weight loss

• Rich in heart healthy fat which helps lowers cholesterol.

• In every ounce, almonds contain 6 grams of protein, 3 grams of dietary fiber, and 80 micro grams of calcium, and phosphorus and vitamin E.

• Almonds have almost no carbohydrates, which makes them a great snake for diabetics.

Brazil Nuts

• Contain large amounts of selenium, which research has shown has a protective effect fights against many different kinds of cancers, helps with thyroid function, and may even help with men’s fertility.

Cashews

• Contains high amounts of heart healthy (monounsaturated) fat, which has been shown to help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.

• Very mineral rich, including potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, selenium, and copper.

• Compared to other nuts, cashews are slightly less amount of calories, while containing a slightly higher amount of carbohydrates.

Hazelnuts

• Rich in beta-sitosterol which lowers cholesterol and lessens the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (something men over 40 commonly experience: going to the bathroom multiple times throughout the night).

• Contain vitamin E, phosphorus, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids.

Macadamia Nuts

• Boasts the highest amount of monounsaturated fat (about 80% – more than olive oil!) than the other nuts. Monounsaturated fat is great for your heart health and has been associated with lower levels of heart disease and cancer.

• Contains calcium, potassium, phosphorus, selenium, magnesium, and fiber.

• Very high in calories, so eat in moderation.

Pecans

• Loaded with monounsaturated fat, vitamin E, potassium, phytosterols, and beta-sitosterol.

• May help lower the risk for type 2 Diabetes.

Pistachios

• Improves lipid profiles, decreases coronary risk, decreases oxidative stress and improves both HDL and LDL cholesterol levels.

• Unsalted pistachio nuts have a favorable potassium-to-sodium ratio which is very helpful with normalizing blood pressure and maintaining a healthy water balance in the body.

• Contain magnesium, phosphorus, phytosterols as well as other vitamins and minerals.

Walnuts

• Contains the highest amount of omega-3 fat, compared to other nuts. Omega-3’s are a remarkable brain food, which supports brain function, improves mood, and helps lower triglycerides and reduce plaque.

• Rich in manganese, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium.

It’s no surprise that studies show that those who eat nuts consistently have significantly lower risks of having a heart attack or heart disease.

Feel free to follow us, however you like: Google+, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest