Why Nuts Are Important for a Healthy Diet

When thinking of essentials for a healthy diet, fruits and vegetables come to mind. But, what you might not know is why nuts are important for a healthy diet.

When you think about nuts, you might picture a pack of salty peanuts at a baseball game. But did you know that there are many health benefits to eating nuts?

Although there are numerous types of nuts, all of them share these benefits. So, whether they’re walnuts or cashews, here’s why nuts are important for a healthy diet.

Nuts Are an Underrated Protein Source

Anyone who goes to the gym can tell you that protein’s significance in your diet is profound. Protein rebuilds muscular cells after challenging workouts.

Nuts contain more protein than most foods. They also have the added benefit of having fewer calories and fat than traditional protein sources like steak. After you come home from the gym, try eating some almonds to put those muscles on the road to recovery.

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They Have Lots of Fiber

Fiber is an essential nutrient for a few reasons. First, it helps your gut by promoting healthy microbiota. However, most Americans don’t receive enough fiber in their diets.

A lack of fiber can lead to constipation, inflammation, and heart problems. So, avoiding fiber is a recipe for disaster!

Fiber is in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, but nuts will be your favorite if you crave savory food. Pistachios improve your health because of their high amount of fiber. Increasing fiber intake is one of the main reasons why nuts are important for a healthy diet.

Nuts Improve Heart Health

A diet with high fiber content can significantly decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease. This is because cholesterol builds up in your arteries if you don’t eat right. Consuming fiber can help eliminate bad cholesterol. This is one reason why nuts are beneficial for your heart.

Nuts also contain omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E. These nutrients help prevent blood clots, reducing your risk for a heart attack.

For these reasons, nuts are among the best types of food for your body. They taste great, have numerous health benefits, and can even fit in your pocket. You can’t say the same about many other foods.

This story originally appeared in Cuisine Noir Magazine