Go Nutty With Snacks

Are you looking for a quick protein snack to nibble on? You can’t go wrong with nuts. Almonds, cashews, pecans, pine nuts, walnuts and peanuts are all great choices—of course, you need to eat these in moderation. I always say toss in a handful of nuts, and really that’s all you need. Balance them with a little fruit and maybe a slice of cheese and you have a great little meal that will satisfy your hunger and give you the energy you need.

• Almonds are high in fiber and rich in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant. Sliced or whole almonds help to lower blood sugar and assist in weight management. Recent studies have shown almonds raise the levels of good bacteria in the gut that boosts the body’s immune system.

• Cashews can make you smarter. Cashews are rich in magnesium, which helps improve memory function. These nuts also contain high amounts of zinc and iron essential to the body’s immune system. Eating cashews can also improve eyesight.

• Pecans are high in oleic acid, antioxidants, dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. They are great crushed, halved or whole. Pecans promote digestive health, improve heart functions and build healthy bones and teeth. High in calcium, magnesium, copper and iron and helps to reduce inflammation and reduce blood pressure.

• Pine Nuts give you energy and are an excellent source of vitamin B-complex, which helps to improve the body’s metabolism. Pine nuts are also high in vitamin E, copper, vitamin K and iron. All of these nutrients support heart health. Furthermore, pine nuts are an excellent source of monounsaturated fat. Monounsaturated fat is a healthy fat that helps reduce cholesterol.

• Walnuts contain a large amount of antioxidants and rich in Omega-3s, which fight inflammation, help you to lose weight and can improve your mood. Walnuts help to reduce bad cholesterol in the body, improve metabolism, and control diabetes.

• Peanuts contain many of the same antioxidants as red wine. They are chock full of monounsaturated fat, a heart-healthy fat. Peanuts feature an array of other nutrients that, in numerous studies, have been shown to promote heart health. Peanuts are good sources of vitamin E, niacin, folate, protein and manganese.

Nuts aren’t just for snacking. Add them to your salad to give you a nice healthy crunch, or sprinkle some on your fruit and yogurt to add a good source of protein that’s as delicious as it is nutritious.