July 17, 2008

The Amazing Health Benefits Of Nuts

It wasn’t very long ago that nuts were feared. – They were considered a dieting disaster, with far too high a fat and calorie content to be anything but bad for you! Recently though, extensive studies have shown that the opposite is actually the case. – Nuts are incredible for the human body. Recently there have been many health discoveries showing that nuts are a wonderful protein source that are great for everyone, and should be added to our diets.

Yes, nuts do contain plenty of fat and calories, - About 200 calories per ounce – but this is a rather deceptive number, as they aren’t nearly as fattening as they might seem on the surface. Almost all of the fat nuts contain are either polyunsaturated or monounsaturated. – Two forms of fat that not only don’t contribute nearly as much to weight gain as others, but actually can help to lower LDL cholesterol levels! And considering today’s emphasis on eating heart-healthy foods, this is a great find. Studies have shown that nuts are actually very good for the heart, and the general consensus is that a person who has a diet that includes eating nuts on a regular basis has a 35% lower risk of having heart disease in the future!

Nuts are also very rich in protein, and are one of the most plentiful sources of protein in plants. This is important because it offers a good source of protein, which is necessary for the body, but doesn’t have the negative side-effects on the heart such as red meats and other typical sources of protein. This makes nuts a wonderful addition to salads, and are in general highly recommended for vegetarian diets, which have a very difficult time meeting their body’s need for complete proteins.

Nuts are terrific sources of energy. Protein is an important ingredient for energy, and when combined with the other minerals in nuts make them perfect for providing longer, more constant energy levels. In addition to proteins, nuts also happen to rich in the powerful antioxidants selenium and vitamin E. Anti-oxidants have recently been identified as having powerful anti-aging effects on the body due to their ability to block the damage caused by free-radicals, substances that contribute to early aging.

On studies involving nuts in daily diet, results showed that nearly all forms of nuts had similar effects, though the most beneficial nuts today are generally considered to be peanuts, almonds, and cashews. These studies also suggest that a good daily dosage of nuts be between 1 to 2 ounces to see receive the best benefit. While they are very healthy, nuts can be a rather addicting snack, and combined with their elevated levels of calories can cause weight gain if you don’t exercise a little discipline with your snacking. Fortunately, nuts also satisfy hunger very well.

Overall, nuts are a powerful food that is packed with surprising and astounding benefits. Their ability to reduce the risk of heart disease while protecting against aging and providing solid energy levels makes them a highly desired health food, as long as a person keeps their intake levels low. They are still loaded with calories, and can contribute to weight gain if high levels are consumed on a regular basis. If you keep your intake down, however, you’ll notice remarkable improvements in your health, and you can rest easier at night knowing that you are helping your heart and bettering your chances at escaping cardiovascular disease.

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Filed under Healthy Foods by healthconcerns.
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