In recent articles from The Windsor Star and Glow Magazine, nuts were highlighted as arguably the healthiest snack in your pantry. Why not put this knowledge to use as you make good on your New Year’s weight loss resolution?
Though nuts contain fat, 85 per cent is made up of the type your body needs and benefits greatly from, namely –monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat. And, peanuts are also free of trans fat, are high in fibre, niacin, and a powerful antioxidant called reservatol, which helps protect the heart. Peanuts can help keep our hearts strong, cholesterol low and be especially beneficial to those living with diabetes. These benefits all play a role in making peanuts a natural wonder.
It’s also been proven a handful of peanuts can satisfy hunger for hours, helping nut lovers eat less, avoid weight gain and the on-set of diabetes. With a fistful of nuts packing a deliciously nutritional punch, it is easy to understand why they are a popular snack. In fact, a study in Diabetes Care found that unsalted nuts, including peanuts, can help improve blood glucose control and cholesterol levels when the level of starches consumed is reduced. What’s not to love about a satisfying, tasty, high good fat content and “nut”tritious snack?
Here is a breakdown of the health benefits of different nuts. While other nuts offer health properties, take note of just how well peanuts measure up to the competition.
Pistachios may help reduce cholesterol because of high levels of antioxidants. Peanuts are cholesterol-free, making them a natural choice for those watching their weight.
Almonds are high in vitamin E which helps repairs cells. Not only do peanuts offer a healthy dose of vitamin E, they act as an antioxidant to help defend against heart disease, prostrate and other cancers, and arthritis.
Cashews are high in magnesium which can lower the risk of a stroke. Peanuts are equally high in magnesium, but also cost half (or even less) than cashews, making peanuts the most cost-effective nutritional vehicle for magnesium.
Hazelnuts in combination with cocoa, fibre and sterols may in fact lower cholesterol and inflammation. Peanuts also lend a hand in regulating the body’s water levels and the normal metabolism of food to help prevent cramping, especially during a workout.
On top of all the health benefits listed above, peanuts are available sodium-free, are packed with protein, fibre, as well as essential vitamins and minerals which can lead to lower blood pressure.
The moral of the story is – we would be nuts to stop eating peanuts!
Sources: The Windsor Star, Glow Magazine