You Should Go Nutty

In recent years, studies have shown that nuts are truly healthy for you.  Nuts provide key proteins and nutrients, good fats, antioxidants, and aid in the reduction of cholesterol which all help you to live longer.  Nuts are especially great way to get extra protein for bariatric patients and its a great snack.  Check out some of the benefits of various nuts:

Almonds have the highest in calcium of all nuts.  Almonds are also high in fiber, vitamin E and magnesium.  Almonds help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease, and can help protect diabetes.

Cashews are rich in iron, high in magnesium (even more than almonds), and the unsaturated fat is predominantly oleic acid (the same as in olive oil).  Cashews also help prevent cancer, promote a healthy heart and strong bones and are good for your skin and hair because they are rich in copper.

Walnuts are high in omega 3 fats, antioxidants, and phytosterols.  Walnuts are good for your heart, help to protect against cancer and are good for your brain aiding in the reduction of depression and the risk of age related diseases, like Alzheimer’s.

Hazelnuts are rich in unsaturated fats (mostly oleic acid), high in magnesium, calcium and vitamins B and E.  Hazelnuts are good for your heart, help reduce the risk of cancer, and aid in muscle, skin, bone, joint and digestive health.

Peanuts are actually a legume, highest amount of folates compared to other nuts; folates are essential for brain development.  Peanuts are also high in Vitamin E.  Peanuts promote a healthy pregnancy because of the high folates which help reduce the risk of birth defects.  Peanuts also boost memory, help fight depression, and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Pecans are higher in calories and fat, but they are still good for you and especially men.  Pecans contain beta- sitisterol which aids in the relief of an enlarged prostate.

Just remember even foods that are good for you must be eaten in moderation so go nuts, but go nuts in moderation.