10 Reasons to Include Nuts in Your Diet
Discover these 10 Reasons to Include Nuts in Your Diet. Learn why including nuts in your nutrition plan is a great idea, and get tips on incorporating them into your meals.
Nuts are tiny but mighty nutritional powerhouses that offer a wide range of health benefits. Not only can they help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, but they are also an excellent source of energy and protein, making them a great addition to any balanced diet.
Nuts are High in Plant-Based Protein and Low in Carbohydrates.
Nuts are a great source of protein, offering more than just carbohydrates, which makes them a healthful alternative to other proteins from animal sources. They’re also low in carbohydrates and provide fiber. As fiber takes longer to digest, it helps regulate blood glucose levels, making nuts ideal for people with diabetes or those looking to maintain stable energy levels throughout the day.
Eating Nuts Can Help Lower Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels. This is a great reason to Include Nuts in your diet.
Eating nuts regularly can help lower blood pressure levels and reduce bad cholesterol (LDL). Adding nuts to your diet helps promote heart health since they are a great source of plant sterols, which can improve your body’s ability to absorb “bad” LDL cholesterol. Additionally, nuts contain monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which can play a role in keeping cholesterol levels down.
Another Reason to Include Nuts is that Consuming Nuts May Protect Against Heart Disease and Type 2 Diabetes.
Studies have found that higher nut consumption is associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Eating a handful of nuts daily may also protect your heart by reducing inflammation, a known risk factor for many chronic diseases. Moreover, consuming nuts can help improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of developing insulin resistance, which is vital in preventing type 2 diabetes.
Nuts Provide Healthy Fats and Fiber for Digestive Health
Nuts provide a rich source of good fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. These essential fats are important for overall health as they keep cholesterol levels in check and reduce inflammation. Additionally, nuts are high in fiber, which may help improve digestive health by slowing digestion and promoting regular bowel movements. Eating a handful of nuts daily can be a simple addition to improving your digestive health.
Eating Nuts May Contribute to a Healthy Weight
Numerous studies suggest that nuts may help promote a healthy weight. While high in calories and fat, studies show that people who eat more nuts tend to have lower body weights than those who do not include them in their diet. This could be because of the satiating effect of fiber-rich nuts or a slower digestion process, which keeps you fuller for longer after eating. Nuts are also high in protein, which can help control appetite.
Rich in Heart-Healthy Fats
Nuts are a great source of heart-healthy polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which can help lower cardiovascular disease and stroke risk. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can improve cholesterol levels and reduce your risk for other health conditions. However, remember that nuts are high in calories and should be eaten in moderation.
A Good Reason to Include Nuts in your Diet is for Enhanced Immune Function
Nuts are a great source of antioxidants, which can help support the immune system and protect against disease. Antioxidants are molecules that fight off oxidative damage in your body caused by free radicals — substances that can damage cells and lead to chronic conditions. Eating nuts can increase your intake of these essential compounds and help improve overall health.
The multitude of Minerals for Bone Health and Blood Pressure Regulation
Nuts are packed with various minerals, including phosphorus and magnesium, which can help support bone health and keep blood pressure in check. Magnesium is also essential for proper nerve function, as it helps to regulate muscle contractions and communication between nerves. As a result, including nuts in your diet can help to reduce the risk of chronic disease and improve overall well-being.
Nuts are considered a “low-glycemic food.” Great Reason to Include Nuts in Your Diet.
Low-glycemic foods release glucose in the bloodstream more slowly instead of rising quickly after eating. Nuts have a low glycemic index, providing sustained energy release rather than a quick “sugar high” followed by an energy crash. Eating nuts helps to maintain blood sugar balance, making them an excellent choice for people with diabetes or other metabolic conditions.
Adding Nuts to Your Diet Can Improve Gut Health
One of the top benefits of adding nuts to your diet is that they are high in fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion. This fiber content also helps increase the diversity of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which is necessary for proper nutrient absorption and overall health. Fibers from nuts may also support a healthy immune system by helping to remove toxins from the digestive tract.
