Nuts – That is the Best Ally to Healthy Snacking
By: Ashwathy Nair
Consumption of nuts gives you a good source of healthful fats, fibre, and beneficial nutrients. People usually consume them in milk, dishes like Kheer, Halwa, etc. or it is even consumed directly. They are always on-trend and no one can deny that nuts are one of the most popular health foods. They are not only versatile but also a powerhouse of nutrition’s which helps in improving heart health.
Imagine yourself in some relative’s home and see that the centre-table is ornamented with nuts for healthy snacking, this gesture gives a royal feeling and the way they treat their guests with whole nutrition is a sign of how well they think of them.
When we talk about nuts, it doesn’t end with almonds and cashews. There is a variety of nuts that you can use in a way as a healthy snack, a crunchy salad-topper, etc. Here is a list of 5 super-healthy types of nuts that are easily available and you have more often heard off. Have a look into it so that you can load it up into your daily diet.
#1 Almonds
When we talk about nuts to add on in a healthy snacking, the first common name that comes into our mind is definitely Almonds. There is a reason that it gets so much health hype, it is considered as a solid source of fibre and protein. This nut is packed with nutrients like fibre, magnesium, and riboflavin, also are high in vitamin E. It helps lower inflammation in the body and to maintain a healthy weight. The only thing you need to take care of while consuming Almonds is to keep an eye on the portion.
#2 Cashews
This is another nut which has a fan-following, it consists of more iron than any other nuts. People nowadays are more with the deficiency of iron, so balance it with the consumption of cashews. To add on a little more fun in munching this nut you can opt for roasted/spiced cashews that will give another delight to your taste buds. Counting this creamy-textured nut in your diets will play a significant role in improving your heart and bone health along with the energy levels. The subtle flavour and texture of cashews are also a great substitute for dairy products.
#3 Peanuts
Although, it does not come in the family of nuts but are considered as a legume because nuts are plant-based proteins and peanuts do not grow on trees. But for the sake of brevity, it can be added to the list of healthiest nuts. The consumption of peanuts is an excellent way of boosting the amount of protein in your diet. It contains a high level of biotin that is good for hair, skin, and nails, it is also good to be consumed during pregnancy. Peanuts are more affordable than other nuts as these are not tree nuts. If you don’t prefer to eat plain peanuts, then go for some salted/roasted ones.
#4 Pistachios
These cute little green nuts are a great healthy snack to choose for a healthy snacking because of their high nutrient and antioxidant content. Adding this to your diet has a beneficial effect on your blood pressure and endothelial function which leads to a reduced risk of heart-related health issues.
#5 Walnuts
This is known for its healthful fat content that is essential in our diet. Walnuts are a little higher in calories and fat that the body requires. Consumption of walnuts helps you to stay fuller for longer, it can be added to oatmeal or can even eat it plain. It is a good source that actually triggers a part of the brain that regulates satiety and cravings. This is the reason that walnuts are often linked not only to heart health but also brain health.
Along with the above nuts, you can add on Brazil Nuts, Macadamia nuts, Pecans, Pine nuts and Hazelnuts to your healthy snacking as these are also the healthiest nuts that you can have on your diet for a good munching. You can increase your nuts intake in many different ways to get more plant proteins by adding some roasted or salted nut into your healthy snacking, it will add flavour and help to be a healthful replacement to unhealthy chips.