Nuts bring essential vitamins and nutrients to your diet while protecting your nervous system and more.
Snacking is something just about all of us do. Midday when the munchies come, reaching for a small bite to eat can tide you over until your next major meal. A lot of us snack on refined sugars and processed foods that contain fats. According to Statista.com, America’s favorite snack is cookies, followed closely by chips, ice cream, milk products, and sweets.
It can be tempting to reach for a treat when you’re hungry but snacking is also an ideal time to fill up on nutrients. Why not grab something that not only satisfies your momentary hunger but also provides you with healthy benefits? Nuts can be a perfect choice. You get your energy fix as well as essential nutrients, placing you a few steps ahead.
Here are our top picks for the best nuts to snack on.
Walnuts
Walnuts are a powerhouse snack. Found naturally in North and South America, as well as Southern Europe, the West Indies, and Asia, these soft nuts are great for your nervous system. Full of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as protein, vitamin B6 and vitamin E, walnuts help protect your brain. Walnuts are high in DHA, which means they can help protect against age-related cognitive decline.
Walnuts are also said to positively affect your gut bacteria, help lower your LDL cholesterol, and maintain healthy circadian rhythms.
Almonds
Almonds are an excellent plant-based protein known for containing high levels of vitamin E. This means eating almonds can help the look of your skin, nails and hair, and help you fight off inflammation. Some experts say you might even find that eating almonds reduces your wrinkles, which can be a huge plus.
Related: Not just for squirrels: how nuts can help prevent diabetes
Why else are almonds a winning snack? These delicious nuts have been shown to lower your bad cholesterol and help control diabetes by stabilizing your blood sugar.
As a nut that’s low in saturated fat but high in calcium and fiber, almonds are a winner.
Peanuts
While their name indicates otherwise, peanuts are actually a legume, not a nut. This means they’re a member of the pea family. Peanuts can cause deadly reactions in some people but if you don’t have an allergy, these small kernels can be an unsung hero in your diet.
These nuts contain vitamin E which is an antioxidant that helps protect your cells from stress. Peanuts also bring your body magnesium to regulate your muscles, and folate which is important for healthy cells. As a source of copper, phosphorus, and fiber, peanuts help keep your bones healthy, as well as your nervous system and blood vessels. Peanuts are a fantastic snack!
Cashews
Cashews have a bad reputation for being a full-fat nut but they come with many benefits. As with other nuts, cashews may lower your levels of bad cholesterol. These nuts are also full of magnesium which can help reduce your chance of having a stroke. As a good source of zinc, phosphorous, manganese, vitamin B6 and vitamin K, cashews provide satisfying crunch you can count on.
Time to get snacking! Eating nuts in moderation can help you keep a balanced, healthy diet and avoid processed foods that increase your inflammation. It’s time to go nuts for nuts!
photo credits: Studio Mars/Shuttestock.com
