Health Nuts!
Only 30g of any nut can help lower heart-disease by 30 % – that’s nuts!
All types of nuts have long been associated with heart health. The reason for this, as studies have shown, is because they are rich in healthy fats, protein, dietary fibre, minerals, vitamins, Vitamin E and antioxidants[1]
Nuts are packed with essential nutrients with walnuts being the number one nut for heart health due to its high content of anti-oxidants [2] In fact, it is second the second highest of all foods rich in anti-oxidants[3]
Ways that you can include more nuts in your diet:
- You can add nuts to your yoghurts and smoothies or breakfast cereals.
- Nowadays you can take any nut and turn it into a butter, not butternut but nut-butter. Another item to add to your shopping list. Most nuts now have a spread version such as almond butter and cashew butter spread. This is easy to spread on bread, as a dip or add to desserts or a smoothie. Even the good old peanut butter and jelly sandwich should not be overlooked!
- Sprinkle almonds on top of your yoghurts.
- Mixed nuts is a great snack, especially when you’re in a hurry or on the go, nuts need little or no preparation
- Add nuts to fruit or other natural desserts.
- Even desserts can provide significant nutritional value if they contain nuts. Use nuts in frozen yoghurts. Even chocolate with added nuts, or dip almonds & walnuts in chocolate sauce (at least you won’t feel as guilty for indulging!)
Due to the high fat and calorie content, many weight-conscious people will unnecessarily avoid nuts which is such a de-value for a great nut-ritious food. The fat content in nuts are the essential fats that will help to lower your cholesterol and contains many other important elements.
To put it all in a nutshell: Eating nuts helps your heart. Therefore include more walnuts, hazelnuts pecan nuts, peanuts, just avoid the dohnuts!
Sorry, Wrong type of nut!
[1] Source: http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/go-nuts-your-diet#1
[2] Source: http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/news/20110328/walnut-may-be-top-nut-for-heart-health#1
[3] Source: http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/heart-beat-what-foods-are-rich-in-antioxidants
