Many individuals are placed on a diet as they get older. Unfortunately, dieting often means having to give up many of your favorite foods. That being said, you can still enjoy a delicious snack on a diet while you’re eating nuts. It’s understandable to feel confused regarding which types of nuts provide the most health benefits. While nearly all nuts could be considered healthy, it’s important to know which are a slight cut above the rest. With that in mind, here are five of the healthiest nuts to consume.
- Peanuts
Statistics show that there are an estimated 29 million metric tons of peanuts produced annually. In turn, these peanuts end up being used to make the six pounds of peanut products the average person in the United States consumes each year. Considering the popularity of peanuts, it’s also good to know that this is one of the healthiest nuts in existence. In fact, a recent study found that children and adults regularly consuming various peanut products had higher levels of iron, magnesium, folate, calcium, and dietary fiber compared to those not eating this food. Consider these benefits, it’s no wonder many people enjoy snacking on heart healthy peanuts. - Almonds
It’s incredibly important to monitor your cholesterol levels, especially as you get older. High cholesterol levels can end up causing someone to suffer from a stroke or heart attack. Considering that, it’s important to keep cholesterol levels low. With that in mind, you’ll find that almonds can help reduce bad cholesterol within the body. In addition, almonds can help lower blood pressure levels while aiding in weight management. Almonds are one of the healthiest nuts for diabetics to consume. Numerous studies have found that almond consumption reduced inflammation and blood sugar levels for those with diabetes. - Walnuts
If you want to remain healthy, it’s important that you’re consuming enough good cholesterol while avoiding bad cholesterol. You’ll find that walnuts are great sources of good cholesterol and are one of the healthiest nuts for those with heart disease. Consuming walnuts has been shown to improve blood pressure and circulation. Like almonds, walnuts have also been found to be a great and natural anti inflammatory aid. This is partially due to the high amount of antioxidants found within a walnut. - Pistachio Nuts
Whether shelled or unshelled, the pistachio is an incredibly healthy nut. The pistachio contains antioxidants which help the body to fight against the presence of many illnesses. In addition to others nuts on this list, the pistachio is a food rich in protein but low in calories. Those wanting to build more muscle should know that the pistachio contains the largest amounts of amino acids of any nut. Amino acids act as building blocks for the formation of new muscle tissue. - Pecans
This nut is a dessert favorite commonly used to top pies. However, pecans provide more than enough flavor while eaten on their own. While being delicious, pecans are also incredibly nutritious. One ounce of pecans is less than 200 calories. In addition, pecans contain antioxidants and can help to lower LDL cholesterol levels.
In conclusion, many nuts are considered healthy foods. However, there are a few nuts that are especially great for remaining in good overall health. There are many health benefits of peanuts including lower bad cholesterol while increasing your daily fiber intake. The almond is another delicious nut that is especially beneficial for those with diabetes. Walnuts are popular for helping to improve circulation, acting as a sort of anti inflammatory. The pistachio nut is a versatile food that makes for a great snack that is high in protein and low in calories. Pecans are another favorite, especially for those looking to lower LDL cholesterol.
