Nuts provide energy and have many health benefits. The Greeks called them “The Jupiter’s Fruit”, implying that nuts are appropriate food for the gods.
So were those deities right? We take a look at the best nuts to eat for nutritional content.
#1. Almonds
If you usually avoid dairy products, almonds are a fashionable milk alternative. They are rich in calcium which contributes to healthy bones and teeth. Almonds are also packed with Vitamin E which improves your skin condition.
In addition they are rich in flavonoids – compounds that protect your heart.
#2. Brazil nuts
Brazil nuts are excellent for people suffering from reduced thyroid function. Why? They are a very good source of selenium.
Selenium is required for the production of the thyroid gland hormone. It also improves your immune system and reinforces faster wound healing.
#3. Chestnuts
Chestnuts have the lowest fat and calories. In addition to their vitamin B6 content chestnuts are known for their healing properties, relieving some of the symptoms of asthma and bronchitis.
Their high energy value makes them beneficial for athletes and children. Chestnuts can also help with mild kidney and digestive problems.
And there’s some great news for the gluten-intolerant. You can make bread or pies from chestnut flour. which does not contain gluten.
#4. Hazelnuts
You could consume hazelnuts if medical tests detect too much homocysteine in your system.
Homocysteine is the amino acid that is often related to certain heart problems. It is also related to the Parkinson’s disease. Hazelnuts contain folic acid, which also plays a very important role in maintaining normal levels of homocysteine.
#5. Pistachios
Here we come to one of the most beloved nuts among them all – the royal nuts, Pistachios.
As pistachios contain significant amounts of vitamin B6, crucial for maintaining hormonal balance, these nuts are a good choice for those women experiencing irregular periods.
Pistachios are the only nuts that contain significant amounts of lutein. It is the antioxidant that helps keep your eyes healthy. They’re also a rich source of potassium and fibre.
#6. Walnuts
There are around twenty different types of walnuts.
High levels of antioxidants found in walnuts increased their popularity among patients fighting cancer. Walnuts are also good sources of the unsaturated fats which are beneficial for the heart. Studies have shown that walnuts help lower the so-called bad cholesterol (LDL).
In addition, walnuts are an excellent supplemental choice for those who don’t eat fish as they contain Omega-3 fatty acids.
Walnuts also contain vitamins, B, K, and E in particular, iron, magnesium, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, as well as manganese, and a very important one – selenium.
In addition, they contain alpha linoleic acid which protects against inflammation and helps keeps your blood vessels healthy, normalizing blood pressure.
Some studies have shown that regular consumption of walnuts can help prevent breast cancer. Other studies have shown that they also prevent prostate cancer.
High amounts of omega-3 fatty acids that are found in walnuts are excellent for your brain and help alleviate the effects of stress.
#7. Macadamia nuts
With a high fat content, macadamia nuts are often used to add flavour and texture to food.
They are rich in fibres and minerals, including magnesium, calcium, and potassium.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why nuts should be the integral part of your diet. They are rich in selenium and vitamin E, which are known as strong antioxidants. They protect you against the negative effects of free radicals.
They contain a lot of calcium required for healthy bones. They are also rich in magnesium, which is required for calcium absorption.