Do Yourself a Favor, Eat Nuts
Nuts are probably my favorite snack to take along in the car. Partially because they are not messy, don’t spoil, or melt. But mainly for the energy and feeling of fullness they give me for eating such a small amount. Anytime I research them, I’m even more convinced they are a healthy asset when properly used in our diets.
Some of the health benefits of nuts were concisely explained in an article at Ask Men, which tells how nuts help lower blood cholesterol, prevent heart disease, relax blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and have lots of fiber and vitamins.
In addition to keeping your heart healthy, nuts are linked with fighting cancer and even helping control weight. A 28-month study quoted at World’s Healthiest Foods showed that people who ate nuts at least two times per week were 31% less likely to gain weight than people who never or almost never ate nuts. The Body Ecology Guide also has an informative guide about common nuts and their benefits. Six Wise’s article “If You are Nuts About Health, Try the Top 6 Healthiest Nuts” even taught me some new things about nuts.
So here’s my personal list of favorite nuts in the order I reach for them. Walnuts, almonds, pecans, pine nuts, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, macadamias, sesame seeds, pistachios, cashews, peanuts.
The trick to properly using them in your diet is to have a small, regular servings. Think of nuts as a replacement to another fat you might eat. Instead of butter on your toast, use peanut butter (natural, for best nutrition) or almond butter. Instead of a snickers bar in the afternoon, eat a handful of walnuts and dried apricots or macadamia nuts and raisins. Sprinkle a few to top off your morning fruit and yogurt. Think of it as doing your body lots of little favors.
