With a variety of nuts and seeds at your fingertips, this versatile food group gives you a broad platform to impact your health for the positive. Check out the health benefits!
Nuts and seeds are a welcomed addition to any diet. They provide an abundance of health-related contributions containing protein, vitamins, minerals, fats, and fiber. Consuming nuts and seeds together work to promote a healthy mind and body.
Here are the top 6 benefits of nuts and seeds.
Better Digestion
Fiber slows down your digestion and allows you to feel full longer. Nuts and seeds provide essential amounts of dietary fiber. This fiber can also help decrease fat absorption while keeping you regular. Dietary fiber also encourages your body to utilize more nutrients during the digestion process.
Decrease Stress and Anxiety
Brazilian nuts contain a mineral called selenium. Selenium helps boost metabolism and regulate hormones to give you energy which fuels your mind. A decrease in selenium is typical in people stressed and depressed. Brazilian nuts increase selenium levels and improve your mood. Cashews are also an excellent source of tryptophan which can help balance brain chemistry enabling for better sleep and mood.
Protein Power
This plant-based protein packs a powerful punch. Plant-based diets have shown to have a positive effect on heart health and reducing the risks of cancer. Nuts and seeds decrease inflammation, cholesterol, and diabetes. That is excellent news for those obtaining plant protein for their body!
Increased Immunity
Nuts and seeds are part of a healthy diet that can improve your immunity and keep you healthy. Vitamin C and E, zinc, and selenium play a role in that. Zinc enhances the stability of your immune system; selenium helps your immune system function correctly; vitamin C increases antibodies, and vitamin E is an antioxidant that boosts your immune system enabling it to fight off free radicals. Pistachios, walnuts, almonds, Brazilian nuts, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds are your top choices.
Reduces Osteoporosis
As we age, so do the bones in the body. We are at risk of breaking bones with more ease. We hear a lot about dairy calcium intake to discourage osteoporosis from setting in, but nuts and seeds are just as worthy. Did you know that calcium, phosphorous, zinc, selenium and copper are in nuts and seeds? All these minerals support bone health as you age. They also keep your teeth healthy. So, keep on with the chia seeds, pecans, sesame seeds and Brazilian nuts!
Brain Boost
Did you ever think that a few nuts can help improve your brain function? Omega 3 fatty acids can stimulate the mind, decrease inflammation to allow for better oxygen flow to the brain. A diet containing nuts and seeds can improve concentration and memory. Win, win!
So, there you have it. A small handful of nuts a day can keep your mind and body feeling regulated, active, and healthy. Nuts and seeds do have a high caloric count, so make sure you are adjusting your diet if needed. A healthy serving of nuts is 6 ounces, so you do not need a lot to reap the benefits of nuts and seeds.
Keep your body strong. Happy eating!
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