5 Awesome Reasons to go Nutty Over Nuts

Time and again, health experts have stressed on nuts being the best snacking option for weight-watchers. But did you know that other than being the perfect snack, there are innumerable health benefits of walnuts, almonds, cashews, etc? Find out what these are and include them in your diet.

What’s your idea of the perfect snack? If you’ve been munching on chips and fries to fight hunger pangs, it’s time you ditch them and go for nuts. Not only are they one of the best ways to keep off those extra kilos, but their nutritional content gives you all the more reason to reach out for them.

Discover the Nutritional Values of Nuts

1. Walnuts- Great for the Heart and the Brain

Did you know that walnuts are extremely beneficial for you? They contain an amino acid called L-arginine that’s great for your heart. Walnuts are also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, said to aid in brain function. If you have high cholesterol, walnuts can help bring it down and regulate it. So with the amazing health benefits of walnuts, you don’t need that fattening piece of pie or bag of chips to satisfy hunger!

2. Cashew nuts- Boosters of Iron and Good Cholesterol

One of the most popular nuts, cashews can do wonders for your hair, being rich in minerals like iron, zinc and copper. The high iron content gives you more reason to snack on them, especially if you’re anemic. An important health benefit of cashew nuts is that they increase good cholesterol in your body and take care of your heart, due to presence of monounsaturated fatty acids. Including them in your diet may lower your risk of developing gallbladder ailments.

3. Almonds- Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Regulator

Keep your blood pressure in check by eating almonds as they increase the amount of alpha-tocopherol in the blood, which regulates pressure. Being rich in fibre, almonds also improve digestion. When mixed with milk, they’re help control blood sugar levels, improve bone health and help in managing weight. Besides the health benefits of almonds, you get to enjoy glowing skin and beautiful hair, thanks to vitamin E.

4. Hazelnuts- Fight Birth Defects and Minimise Cardiac Diseases

If you’re expecting, you have another reason to reap the health benefits of hazelnuts. With high levels of folate that help resolve neural tube defects that newborns may be susceptible to. They also help prevent anemia. Eating hazelnuts reduces the risk of cardiac diseases and cancer as they’re loaded with flavonoids, carotenoids and proanthocyanidins.

5. Peanuts- Rich in Proteins and Polyphenols

Peanuts are delicious and loved by all. They’re a great snacking option for pregnant women and growing children as they’re packed with proteins. They’re also high in polyphenolic antioxidants and reduce the production of carcinogenic nitrous amines responsible for stomach cancer. However, not everyone can enjoy the health benefits of peanuts due to allergies, so make sure that you and your family don’t have any.

Though nuts are healthy and beneficial, snacking on them endlessly isn’t healthy. Too much of anything is bad and this holds true here as well. Ask your doctor or dietician for the recommended quantity of different types of nuts that you should consume, based on your age, weight, lifestyle and medical history.