14 May Nuts About Nuts

Studies have shown both health benefits and weight loss properties in nuts. They are full of nutrition! Nuts contain folic acid, vitamin D, copper, magnesium, fiber, and monounsaturated fats. They also have a lot of protein. The healthy fat and protein content will act as a natural appetite suppressant because it digests slowly and is absorbed slowly into the blood stream.

Eating one serving of nuts 4-5 times per week has been shown to decrease your risk for developing coronary heart disease by as much as 50%! Nuts have also been shown to reduce cholesterol by 5-10% and LDL cholesterol by 15-20%. You can thank the monounsaturated fats in the nuts for blocking the production and absorption of LDL cholesterol. In addition, nuts can also help to reduce blood pressure.

Is that enough reason to eat nuts?

It is important to remember that all nuts are not created equal!

The Best Nuts:

Almonds: high in protein, magnesium, calcium, and vitamin E

1 Serving: 80 calories, 7g of fat

Walnuts: high in omega-3 fatty acids and alpha-linoleic acid

1 Serving: 90 calories, 9 grams of fat

Cashews: high in copper, magnesium,

and iron

1 Serving: 80 calories, 6 grams of fat

Hazelnuts: high in vitamin E, fiber, iron

1 Serving: 85 Calories, 8 grams of fat

Not-the-Best Nuts:

Macadamias: Too high in fat and calories

Chestnuts: Low in fat and calories, but

minimal health benefits

Brazil Nuts: Have been known to contain

contaminants and cause sickness.