I wanted to share the research I gathered from various articles on the benefits of my favorite three nuts.  The pistachio, almond and cashew.  I always keep them in my bag to munch on between clients, work-outs and hunger pangs!  Packed with vitamins, nutrients and an all around fabulous taste, feel ‘guilt free’ when reaching for these guys as a snack of choice!  Enjoy!

PISTACHIOS

Pistachios are not only tasty they are also good for you. Health benefits of pistachios range from many areas. With the help of magnesium and vitamins, pistachios are a stable of many healthy eaters. In the nut family, pistachios stand out as a healthier nut which offers many benefits to the consumer. Pistachios can help in many ways. Some health benefits of pistachios are:

1. Cholesterol-free – Everyone likes a product which is cholesterol free. Because it is cholesterol free, pistachios offer a chance to track your weight. You have the opportunity to be healthier if you follow and eat pistachios. It is not a hard task to perform because it is a nut that you don’t have to feel guilty of eating too much.

2. High in monounsaturated fat – This means that it is a good fat and pistachios, with other nuts, will help with weight loss and circulation.
With many people wanting to watch what they eat, having a nut that has healthy fat is a good idea to eat.

3. Protect you from heart attacks – This alone would get anyone to start incorporating pistachios into their diets. Nobody wants to have heart attacks. Whether you are old or young, eating pistachios are a very good thing to consider.
Another health benefit of pistachios is that the flavor which is given is an ice-creamed flavor taste. Pistachios offer many nutrients and value among other nuts in its family. Pistachios also contain 10% of the needed nutrients your body is in need of everyday. Having these health benefits of pistachios is beneficial to you and the ones you care about. Always remembering your health is the main focus.

Health benefits of pistachios are only as good as the healthy eater. Therefore, if you don’t eat them, you can’t get the benefits. Always be mindful of your body and divulge in pistachios. Plus you help your immune system because of the different vitamins. Your body will thank you later with the prevention of so many harmful diseases, it is no wonder why this nut is the right choice.

ALMONDS

Heart-healthy

Almonds contain several phytochemicals including beta-sisterol stigmasterol and campesterol which is thought to contribute to a healthy heart. A handful of almonds a day helps reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering LDL, or ‘bad’ blood cholesterol by as much as ten percent.
Their high monounsaturated fat content, a key fat found in many Mediterranean diets, gives them much greater benefits than simply being cholesterol-lowering. Nearly every research study shows those who eat a traditional Mediterranean diet not only have a lower risk of heart disease and cancer, they also live longer.

Weight Loss Aid

For many years almonds were considered ‘fattening’. However, studies, including the Nurses’ Health Study and the Physicians’ Follow-up Study showed those who ate the most nuts tended to have lower body mass indexes. Although almonds are high in fat and calories, eating them in moderation can actually help with weight loss.
One study comparing two groups of dieters eating the same amount of calories found the group eating 500 of their calories from almonds lost more weight. One theory is that almond cell walls may limit the amount of dietary fat available for digestion, or for absorption. Therefore, it is a possibility that a small portion of the calories from almonds may not be completely absorbed by the body. Either way, replacing a given amount of calories in the diet with almonds will not equal the same in weight gain.
High Protein Source

As almonds are high in protein, around 18 percent, and contain virtually no carbohydrates, they are ideal for diabetics, pre-diabetics or anyone with blood sugar issues.
Anti-inflammatory and Anti-spasmodic

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, almonds are considered anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, emollient and are also used as a tonic. They are also known as brain and bone food, probably due to their high calcium content. They help with alkalinizing the blood and relieve chi stagnation in the liver.

*In Ayurvedic medicine almonds are used to strengthen ojas and are said to nurture self control and calmness of the mind and nerves.

CASHEWS

Sometimes called “nature’s vitamin pill,” cashew nuts, which now rank #1 among nut crops in the world with 4.1 billion pounds produced in 2002 , have been used to promote wellness for centuries.
Medical Benefits

The cashew tree’s leaves and bark as well as the popular cashew apple possess herbal health benefits that include killing bacteria and germs, stopping diarrhea, drying secretions, increasing the libido, and reducing fever, blood sugar, blood pressure and body temperature, but unfortunately the byproducts of these parts of the cashew tree are not available in North America and Europe, mainly due to their highly perishable qualities.
The cashew nut, a popular treat found on grocery and health food store shelves across the world, is jam-packed with nutritional content. It packs 5 grams of protein per ounce and high levels of the essential minerals iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper and manganese, which are utilized in holistic health solutions and healthy diets.
Diet and Weight Management

Cashew nuts do have a relatively high fat content (12 grams per ounce, 2 grams saturated fat), but it is considered “good fat.” This is due to the agreeable fat ratio in the nut, 1:2:1 for saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated, respectively, which scientists say is the ideal ratio for optimal health.
Cashew nuts also have a fatty acid profile that contributes to good health through phytosterols, tocopherols, and sqaulene, all of which lower the risk of heart disease, combined with the nut’s zero percent cholesterol content.
Even with the relatively high fat content, cashew nuts are considered to be a “low-fat” nut. In fact, cashew nuts contain less fat per serving than many other popular nuts commonly found in grocery stores and health food stores, including almonds, walnuts, peanuts and pecans.
Recommendations vary for cashew nut consumption in diet and weight loss. Cashew nuts have a high energy density and high amount of dietary fiber, both which have been attributed to a beneficial effect on weight management, but only when eaten in moderation
Cardiovascular and Circulatory Health

With no cholesterol, a rarity for such a tasty and pleasing treat, cashew nuts are a healthy fat food for heart patients. And because of their high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids, they also help support healthy levels of low good (HDL) cholesterol.

Hope you all enjoyed this info.

In health,
~EAH

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