WHICH NUTS ARE OK TO EAT AND WHICH ARE NOT
Nuts make a delicious snack. They are abundant in fiber, protein, and good fat. Nuts can help you stay full and provide you energy to get through a long meeting or a strenuous workout. They are an excellent source of nutrients that are tough to find in other foods. But nuts also pack a lot of calories. Overindulging in nuts as a snack might lead to weight gain. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consume nuts. Nuts make a delicious snack as long as you watch how much you eat.
Nuts are not made equally. Certain nuts are superior to others due of their superior nutritional value.profile and contain less calories. Selecting the right nuts to consume might be challenging. Here are seven nuts you should eat and three you should avoid if you wish to include nuts in your diet.
NUTS TO EAT
Walnuts
Walnuts have several health benefits. They significantly cut bad cholesterol levels and are a fantastic source of the omega-3 lipid ALA, which lowers the risk of a heart attack. Since walnuts are an excellent source of antioxidants, they also aid in reducing inflammation. Of all the nuts you may eat, walnuts have the highest antioxidant content!
Pecans
Antioxidants are also abundant in pecans. Eating pecans on a regular basis will significantly raise your blood’s antioxidant levels, which are vital for preventing the harm that free radicals can cause. Pecans reduce cholesterol, which further improves heart health. Because pecans enhance prostate health, they are particularly beneficial for men.
Pistachios
You can substitute a serving of pistachios for the banana because they’re a wonderful source of potassium. They also lessen your risk of acquiring type 2 diabetes since they help control your blood sugar. Pistachios are a wonderful snack for weight loss since they have fewer calories than other nuts, allowing you to consume more of them.
Brazil Nuts
Nuts from Brazil Grown in Brazil, Brazil nuts contribute to the preservation of the Amazon! When you buy Brazil nuts, you are contributing to the preservation of a portion of the rain forest because they are grown on enormous trees that are only found in the wild. Brazil nuts are lower in carbohydrates than other nuts and a fantastic source of oil and protein for your health. Additionally, they are a fantastic source of selenium, a significant antioxidant.
Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which helps control blood sugar levels and prevents type 2 diabetes. Vitamins A and B can also be found in hazelnuts. By increasing your good cholesterol and decreasing your bad cholesterol, they also benefit your heart. Another benefit of hazelnuts for the environment because they require little water and can grow in almost any type of soil.
Almonds
Among all nuts, almonds are the most widely consumed. They support the development of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system and lessen inflammation in people with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, almonds help reduce blood sugar and blood pressure. If you’re attempting to reduce weight, almonds are an excellent option as well. They are low in carbohydrates and quite satisfying.
Cashews
Antioxidants and protein are abundant in cashews. Compared to other nuts, they contain more carbohydrates, so be sure to measure your servings carefully if you’re watching your intake. Cashews have the potential to decrease blood pressure and raise levels of good cholesterol. Additionally, cashews arean excellent supply of magnesium.
NUT TO IGNORE
Macadamia Nuts
These nuts have a high fat and calorie content, yet they are pleasant and do provide some health benefits. If you’re trying to lose weight, you should limit your intake of macadamia nuts. Thus, if you wish to eat these nuts, be sure to watch how much you eat.
Peanuts
As the name suggests, peanuts are not nuts. They belong to the legume family! Although peanuts are a good source of protein and other nutrients, they can potentially contain aflatoxins. This particular fungus is linked to liver cancer. When eating peanuts in public, use caution as they can also trigger serious allergic responses in some individuals.Always go for fresh, raw peanuts if you do decide to eat them.
Pine Nuts
Pine nuts can result in a disease known as pine nut syndrome, despite the fact that they do have some nutritional benefit. This condition can linger for months and leaves your mouth tasting metallic or harsh! It’s best to avoid these nuts altogether as there isn’t a known cause for this illness.
Choose raw, unsalted nuts whenever you go nut shopping. Nothing that has been salted or roasted will be as healthy for you. Never forget that processing of any kind reduces the nutritious content of food. It could take some getting used to the new unsalted kind if you’re used to eating salted nuts. Choose some of the above-mentioned healthy nuts the next time you’re craving a snack; not only will they taste just as good, but they will also reduce your sodium intake, which is beneficial for heart health and weight loss.