What a Nut Can Do for Your Health
By Sara Butler
You’ve probably heard that snacking on nuts is the way to go, in moderation – of course! Nuts may be high in fat, but that fat is also really good for you. What are you actually getting from that handful of nuts in the afternoon? Each nut has its own strengths, and here’s a breakdown of the ways different nuts are good for your body.
Almonds
Plain almonds can help to lower your blood sugar, may help to prevent colon cancer, and can reduce your blood pressure. They’re an excellent source of zinc, calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin E.
Cashews
Cashews have plenty of health benefits. They can help to prevent the formation of gallstones, improve your memory, and help keep heart disease away. They’re a wonderful source of Vitamin B6, Vitamin K, and Vitamin E. Plus they pack a punch of magnesium and iron in a small serving size.
Pistachios
This is the little nut that can be tough to crack, but that shell actually helps you from overeating them and contributes to maintaining a healthy weight. They also can help to improve digestion and fight inflammation in the body. They’re a great source of copper, manganese, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, and potassium too.
Walnuts
These nuts can help to prevent depression, improve your memory, and protect your body from heart disease. They’re a great way to get a bit of the Vitamin B6, selenium, phosphorus, omega-3, and omega-6 that your body needs to function well.
Pecans
Pecans are great for people who want to keep their hair and skin healthy. They have been found to help prevent hair loss and help to keep your complexion clear. They can also lower cholesterol levels. You’ll find plenty of Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin E, calcium, folic acid, zinc, and potassium in them as well.
Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts make a great digestive aid. Plus they help to promote healthy hair and prevent premature aging by delivering the copper, Vitamin B, biotin, and selenium your body needs to stay healthy.
Macadamia Nuts
These crunchy tropical nuts can help to prevent dry skin, protect the skin from free radicals, and can speed up your metabolism to help you maintain a healthy weight. They’re a great source of niacin, folates, iron, thiamin, Vitamin E, and riboflavin.
Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts can help to relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, help wounds heal faster, and might help to prevent breast cancer. They’re packed full of selenium too!
No matter what kind of nut you want to try, know they’re helping you to avoid becoming hangry and improving your health!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.