
Go Nuts For Nuts: The Health Benefits of Nuts
April is National Pecan Month. “Nutritionists are crazy about nuts,” reports Harvard Medical School. Of course, this flies in the face of traditional dietary advice, which views nuts as unhealthy. “If your idea of healthy eating was formed a few decades ago, it may be hard to shake the notion that you should avoid nuts, which are high in calories and fat,” adds Harvard. “But new evidence has overturned that assumption.” Whether it’s pecans or any other type of nut, here’s what you need to know about the health benefits of nuts.
Health Benefits of Nuts: They’re Exceptionally Rich in Nutrients
Nuts are one of the best sources of healthy fats, including:
- Monounsaturated fats
- Polyunsaturated fats
- Omega-3 fats
Nuts are also high in other nutrients, including phytochemicals (an immune-boosting group of antioxidants), as well as vitamins and minerals like:
- Magnesium
- Vitamin E
- B vitamins
- Selenium
- Potassium
To put it simply, nuts are a powerhouse of nutrients. And because of their nutritional value and density, there are many health benefits of nuts.
The Health Benefits of Nuts: 5 Reasons to Eat More Nuts This April
1. Nuts Improve Your Heart Health
“A diet that includes 1 ounce of nuts daily can reduce your risk of heart disease,” reports Harvard. For instance, studies have found that eating more nuts will:
- Improve your cholesterol numbers
- Relax your blood vessels and prevent blood clotting
- Improve your blood glucose levels
Because heart disease is one of the top contributors to early mortality in the United States, eating at least an ounce of nuts a day can dramatically reduce your risks of heart attack, stroke and other heart health concerns.
2. Nuts Help You Live Longer
A meta-analysis of dozens of studies covering thousands of individuals found that the higher your nut intake, the longer your lifespan.
The researchers hypothesize that the increased longevity associated with eating more nuts may be because of the reduced disease risks that come with many of the nutrients found in nuts.
Nuts may also support a healthy lifespan by supporting a strong immune system, making you more resilient to the bacteria and viruses that stress your body and lead to long-term inflammation and stress.
If you’re concerned about your immunity, pair your increased nut intake with BioPro-Plus 500. This 100% natural immune system supplement is clinically proven to increase your T-cell counts as an aid to restore your body’s own natural immune response.
3. Nuts Prevent Cancer
A review of 36 studies found that people who eat the most nuts have the lowest risks of:
- Colorectal cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Endometrial cancer
- And other forms of cancer
4. Nuts May Improve Healthy Weight Maintenance
If you’re trying to lose weight, or you’re struggling to maintain a healthy weight, try adding nuts to your diet. Nut consumption has been linked with improved weight loss. This may be because nuts are high in fiber and protein. When you eat more fiber and protein, you experience improved satiety (i.e. the sensation of fullness after a meal) that may help to prevent overeating or unhealthy snacking. There is also some evidence that nuts increase metabolism, making your body more efficient at burning the calories you consume.
5. Enhanced Gut Health
Your gut health is linked with all aspects of your overall wellness, including:
- Better digestion
- Improved mental health and cognition
- Stronger immunity
Nuts act as prebiotics, helping to feed and support the healthy bacteria in your gut.
Eat More Nuts: Ideas to Enjoy the Health Benefits of Nuts
Get creative and find more ways to add nuts to your daily diet. This includes:
- Tossing a handful of nuts into your morning smoothie
- Enjoying nuts as a convenient, easy-to-store snack
- Sprinkling nuts on your favorite sandwiches, salads or cereals to add more crunch and flavor
- Spreading nut butters on your sandwiches or vegetables
- Etc.
By adding a few more nuts to your day, you can celebrate National Pecan Month and celebrate a strong, powerful sense of strength, wellness and vitality.
Interested in Learning More About Healthy Foods? Keep Reading More:
Cancer Prevention Diet – 5 Foods that Reduce your Risk of Cancer