Nutty Nutrition
Nuts are everywhere--in salads, granola, baked goods...the list goes on! There are many
different kinds of nuts out there and each different type has unique health benefits.
Nuts in general are a great source of fat—the good kind of course! Get this: nuts can even
help you maintain a healthy weight and lower cholesterol levels. But don’t go grouping
peanuts into the nut category; they’re actually legumes. Read on to learn about the benefits these nuts have.
Almonds
They’re yummy, they’re crunchy, they’re a great snack—they’re almonds! Almonds are a
great source of vitamin E, as well as fiber and other vitamins and minerals. These nuts are
also gluten free and are a popular substitute for gluten-free foods. Have a handful a day for
a fast, energizing snack! But almonds aren’t just great for the inside of the body. Almond oil
helps to keep skin moisturized and is used in cosmetic products and aromatherapy oils.
I recommend: Silk Unsweetened Almond Milk
Cashews
Their name sounds like an adorable sneeze: cashews! Cashews are filled with antioxidants,
vitamins, and tons of energy! The “C” shaped nut is high in calories, but protects against
diseases. Zinc can also be found in cashews. What’s special about zinc is that it helps
regulate growth and development, so giving a few cashews to your child (provided s/he
doesn’t have nut allergies, of course!) might help more than those animal-shaped crackers.
Cashews also can curb that “crunch craving” you may be having and fill you up as well!
I recommend: Kind Bar in Dark Chocolate Cherry Cashew
Chestnuts
It’s time to get those chestnuts roasting on an open fire! This sung-about nut is the perfect
treat during the holidays—and always. Chestnuts are surprisingly low in calories, unlike
other nuts. They have less fat, but still have plenty of vitamins and minerals to go around!
These nuts are a good source of fiber and vitamin C. If you suffer from anemia, this nut will
be your new BFF because of it being high in iron. Go ahead and enjoy some sweet
chestnuts this holiday season, guilt-free!
I recommend: Gefen Whole Chestnuts (Roasted & Peeled)
Pecans
Butter-pecan ice cream always pops into my head whenever someone talks about pecans.
Pecans are high in antioxidants and energy which is perfect for those who are always on
the go! Aside from their buttery flavor, pecans are popular for their source of Vitamin E
which helps keep cell membranes healthy. Though these nuts are commonly found in
desserts like pie, fudge, caramel turtles, muffins, and ice cream (are you hungry yet?), they
taste delicious on their own too.
I recommend: Blue Diamond Natural Pecan Nut-Thins
No matter what the nut, there’s bound to be a major health benefit. But like everything else,
nuts should be eaten in moderation. These four nuts are great tasting and good for you, but
there’s a whole lot more nuts to be tasted. One thing to keep in mind when exploring your
new nut habit, is to stick to natural products—we love Nutella too, but that doesn’t mean
Nutella is a great source of healthy fats every day. To incorporate more nuts in your life
without over-doing it, create (or buy) a nut mix and throw a handful into a plastic bag for the
day to snack on.
*A version of this article first originally appeared on I'mperfect Magazine, however, like all my content, I did write it.
