The Incredible Health Benefits of Nuts

Not too long ago, it was advised that people should avoid large amounts of nuts in their daily diet because of their high calorie and fat content. In the 1990s, however, extensive research was conducted on nuts and their impact on the body, and not only were those recommendations completely reversed, but the findings were very surprising. Since then, many new health-related discoveries have pointed to nuts as an excellent source of protein and as having many benefits on the human body.

Yes, nuts do contain plenty of fat and calories, - About 200 calories per ounce – but this is a rather deceptive number, as they aren’t nearly as fattening as they might seem on the surface. Almost all of the fat nuts contain are either polyunsaturated or monounsaturated. – Two forms of fat that not only don’t contribute nearly as much to weight gain as others, but actually can help to lower LDL cholesterol levels! And considering today’s emphasis on eating heart-healthy foods, this is a great find. Studies have shown that nuts are actually very good for the heart, and the general consensus is that a person who has a diet that includes eating nuts on a regular basis has a 35% lower risk of having heart disease in the future!

Nuts are also very rich in protein, and are one of the most plentiful sources of protein in plants. This is important because it offers a good source of protein, which is necessary for the body, but doesn’t have the negative side-effects on the heart such as red meats and other typical sources of protein. This makes nuts a wonderful addition to salads, and are in general highly recommended for vegetarian diets, which have a very difficult time meeting their body’s need for complete proteins.

New science has also proven that nuts are good for providing the body with energy. On top of being rich in proteins, nuts are also plentiful sources of fiber and antioxidants, especially the powerful selenium and vitamin E. This makes the benefit of nuts two-fold – not only can nuts provide a solid, stronger supply of energy to the body, but they are also able to ward off the damaging effects of free-radicals. Free-radicals have recently been associated with premature aging and the general breakdown of the body, but antioxidants are able to prevent them from doing this to the body.

Studies have shown that, interestingly, all forms of nuts seem to have the same benefits for the body. While there is no evidence pointing to any particular nut being the most beneficial, the most effective nuts are generally believed to be cashews, almonds and peanuts. A healthy amount to be consumed on a daily basis is about one to two ounces. This provides the body with the maximum amount of benefit, while cutting down as much as possible the high calorie levels. The only downside to nuts, in fact, seems to be that it can be difficult to eat only a handful or so a day; most people instead seem to continue munching on them once they’ve passed the two ounce-a-day limit.

Overall, nuts are a powerful food that is packed with surprising and astounding benefits. Their ability to reduce the risk of heart disease while protecting against aging and providing solid energy levels makes them a highly desired health food, as long as a person keeps their intake levels low. They are still loaded with calories, and can contribute to weight gain if high levels are consumed on a regular basis. If you keep your intake down, however, you’ll notice remarkable improvements in your health, and you can rest easier at night knowing that you are helping your heart and bettering your chances at escaping cardiovascular disease.