Nuts are mother nature’s gift that contains vitamins, minerals, energy, protein, fiber, and omega-3-fatty acids. Some of the health benefits of nuts include:
- Nuts contain oleic and palmitoleic acids, this is a monounsaturated fatty acid that helps to lower bad cholesterol and elevate the good cholesterol.
- Nuts contain Omega-3-fatty acid, this has anti-inflammatory properties, which helps the body in its fight against diseases such as high blood pressure, arthritis, slows the process of dementia which has an inflammatory component.
- Nuts contain potent antioxidants such as carotenes, lutein, and resveratrol; these properties fight viral and fungal infections.
While all nuts have good nutritional value there are some that have made it into the winner’s circle, they include:
- Almonds: just an ounce of these nuts meets almost half of your vitamin E requirements which helps balance your cholesterol levels and contributes to healthy skin and nails.
- Walnuts: have a high Omega-3 fatty acid content and ellagic acid which strengthens the immune system.
- Pistachios: carry a high amount of potassium which is an electrolyte that helps keep the electrical system in your body in balance.
- Brazil nuts: these nuts are very special in that it takes a special bee to pollinate them and they take up to 30 years to mature. These nuts contain a high amount of selenium which boosts metabolism and protects cells from the damage of intrusive agents.
- Hazelnuts: contain high amounts of iron which helps blood to carry oxygen, and proanthocyanidins which is a free radical scavenger, reducing harm to cells.
In years past, before we knew the difference in good fats versus bad and the actual effects they had in our body, nuts, and their consumption was discouraged. While it is true, nuts that have been prepared in oil lose most of their nutritional benefits and merely add to the waistline if consumed in large amounts. The pure unadulterated raw nut packs a big punch to the bottom line of your health and tastes good in smoothies as well.
