4 Nuts Worth Keeping in Your Cabinet
By Genevieve Cunningham
Nuts are a food choice that gets a lot of debate. Some people claim they’re super healthy and a great choice to keep in your kitchen. Other people claim they’re too packed with fat to be a good snacking option. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle. Nuts can definitely be good for you, though some are better than others, and all should be eaten in moderation. To make sure that your kitchen is stocked with the healthiest nut options, take a look at these four to buy today.
Almonds
Almonds are one of the best nut choices that you can make. These nuts contain loads of calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. They also contain healthy doses of protein, which makes them great for snacking or adding to salads. You can buy these in the shell or shelled, and they come in different flavors such as roasted, salted, cinnamon covered, and even spicy.
Cashews
Cashews are a nut option that gets little in the way of attention. It’s a little higher calorie, but is an excellent option for getting in your healthy fats. It can also provide healthy doses of magnesium and protein to your diet. Cashews are often found in a mixed nut bag at the grocery store, but you can order strictly cashews online or from the grocer.
Walnuts
Many people give very little thought to walnuts. These are added to many foods -- fruit salads, regular salads, and even desserts -- but eating them on their own isn’t as popular. Walnuts are actually great for the brain. They’re mostly fat and very high in calories, but they provide the kind of fat that your brain needs to thrive. In a single serving, they can also provide your body with magnesium, fiber, and plenty of protein.
Peanuts
People get confused about peanuts. They think that since they’re supposed to be careful about peanut butter, they should steer clear of peanuts, but this isn’t necessarily true. While all nuts should be eaten in moderation, plain peanuts aren’t bad for your health. They can give you doses of potassium, fiber, protein, iron, magnesium, and calcium. Peanuts only get unhealthy when people add mounds of salt or cover them in sugar. A handful of plain old peanuts is a great way to snack in a healthy manner.
Nuts get a bad rap sometimes, but they’re actually good for you in the right doses. Eat them in moderation, and you’ll gain some healthy benefits. And because they’re easy and delicious, they’re great for adding to your snack cabinet. The next time you need a quick, convenient snack with a blast of goodness, get a little nutty and don’t feel guilty about it.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Santa Monica, Calif.