Nuts are packed with good-for-you fats, protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals.
Nuts may help lower cholesterol and triglycerides. Recent research suggests that eating nuts may reduce chronic inflammation and promote healthy aging. Studies show that regular consumers of any type of nut were less likely to die from heart disease, cancer and lung disease than non-nut eaters.
Eating a variety of nuts will maximize the unique benefits of each kind. You can’t go wrong with a handful a day. Enjoy them raw or dry roasted. Add them to salads, sprinkle onto yoghurt or cereals or include them in stir fries.
But, wait, there’s more!
Nuts for men
Brazil Nuts
Creamy Brazil nuts are packed with selenium, a mineral that may protect against prostate cancer and other diseases.
Pecans
Pecans are loaded with beta-sitosterol, a plant steroid, that not only helps lower cholesterol but may help relieve symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
Almonds
Almonds are rich in vitamin E, a potent antioxidant, and zinc, which has been linked to fertility. In a recent study researchers had men eat a nut snack containing almonds for 14 weeks. At the end, their sperm count measured 16 percent higher than men who didn’t eat nuts, and their swimmers had greater vitality and motility.
Nuts for your brain
Walnuts
They look like brains and they may help protect yours. Walnuts have several brain-boosting properties and are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are also known to fight Alzheimer’s. Depression scores among people who regularly ate walnuts have been found to be 26 percent lower than those on nut free diets.
