We’re all looking for ways to improve our health and lead a happy life. Our diet has a major effect on how we sleep, how we talk and even how we feel. We sneak cookies at midnight when we’re feeling down and can’t sleep. We perk up at the sound of pizza when we’re at a friend’s house. But can we eat healthy and feel great at the same time? Nuts may have the answer. The advantages of peanuts, walnuts, macadamia nuts and just about any other kind of nut have been rigorously documented for centuries. These tasty, portable and healthy foods are a great way to get the very most out of your personal diet.
Bite-Sized Facts
You likely know a few of the health benefits that come with nuts. There is, however, some hidden potential to be found once you do a little digging. Peanuts have maintained a steady fanbase for quite some time, found in all sorts of cultures across the world and used in a wide variety of dishes. Peanut butter alone accounts for over 65% of all nut consumption in the United States. Up to 90% of American households will eat peanut butter regularly! But do other nuts enjoy similar attention?
Macadamia Nut Benefits
Are you a fan of macadamia nuts? Then you will find plenty to enjoy here. Characterized by their large size and soft brown shell, these nuts are well-known in the medical world for their incredible amount of vitamins and minerals. Macadamia nut benefits include exorbitantly high amounts of vitamin B1 (crucial for a properly functioning nervous system) and magnesium (great for a healthy heart). For those that add a lot of nuts in their diet, just an ounce of macadamia nuts can provide you nearly two and a half grams of fiber.
Advantages Of Peanuts
Everyone has a personal favorite. One person might want macadamia nut benefits for their unique diet, while others prefer all types of nuts. As explored above, peanuts are easily one of the most popular nuts on the market. You may be surprised to know that they aren’t, in fact, a nut. They’re a ‘legume’, a term used to describe seeds or pods that are grown underground. Nonetheless, they’re labeled as nuts for categorization purposes and are a staple in many different diets and dishes. Peanuts boast a high amount of heart healthy fats, with additional layers of vitamin E, protein and iron. All of these can encourage smooth skin, strong nails and a proper digestive system.
Walnut Health Properties
Out of all the nuts, the walnut is perhaps one of the trickiest to eat. Unlike the soft shell of a peanut or the brittle outer layer of a pistachio, the walnut can take some serious effort to crack. Once you get to the chewy center, however, you find the wait well worth it. Walnuts are unique in that they have a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, vital for reducing your risk of heart disease, heart failure and even cancer. Similar to other nuts they also have a strong amount of vitamin B and potassium, making them a dietary staple you shouldn’t go without.
Adding Nuts To Your Daily Diet
You can enjoy macadamia nut benefits or cashew nut benefits multiple times per week by incorporating nuts into your day-to-day meals. Nuts can be tossed over a garden salad or mixed into a pasta salad for a little extra crunch, giving you just the right amount of fiber, iron and vitamins to get you feeling your best. For those that want to go the extra mile, try crushing some pine nuts into a low-fat cookie recipe or chopping up some cashews into shrimp stir fry. Recent Harvard research found two servings of nuts per day (any kind) is a great way to fight cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Eating healthy and feeling healthy don’t have to be mutually exclusive. The health benefits of nuts combined with their delicious flavor will make sure you’re enjoying every meal to the fullest.
