Why I Snack On Nuts and Dried Fruit

One thing people always see me snacking on is nuts and dried fruit but there's a reason why I opt to snack on these rather than my favourite chocolate bar or pastry dessert.

Nuts and dried fruits offer a range of health benefits:

• Nutritional Content: Nuts and dried fruits are rich in essential nutrients like fibre, carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamin E, and magnesium​​.

• Rich in Antioxidants: They contain antioxidants that combat free radicals, reducing the risk of diseases and helping to flush out toxins​​.

• Lowering Cholesterol: They can lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels, which is beneficial for people with obesity and diabetes​​.

• Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Nuts have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties, promoting overall organ and body health​​.

• Fibre Content: High fibre content in nuts and dried fruits promotes satiety, improves digestion, and maintains a healthy digestive tract​​.

• Improving Heart Health: They help regulate cholesterol and blood pressure levels, reducing the risk of heart disease​​.

• Immunity Boosting: Their vitamins, calcium, protein, and essential minerals help boost the immune system​​.

• Combating Depression: Studies indicate that consuming dried fruits can improve memory, brain health, and reduce the effects of depression​​.

• Bone Health: High calcium concentration in dried fruits strengthens bones and enhances hair growth and strength​​.

• Cancer Prevention: The antioxidants and phytonutrients in dried fruits help fight and prevent the development of cancer cells​​.

Specifically,

walnuts are noted for their omega-3 content, beneficial for brain health, stress reduction, cancer prevention, and skin and hair health​​.

Hazelnuts can help lower blood cholesterol levels and are a good iron source​​.

Raisins, being high in iron, can assist with anemia and improve the digestive system​​. Moreover, dried fruits can lower the postprandial (after meal) insulin response, modulate sugar absorption, and have a beneficial effect on blood pressure​​. They have a low to moderate glycemic index and can help manage blood sugar and lipid levels, potentially lowering the risk of developing diabetes​​.

Peanut butter, made from peanuts, shares similar heart-protective benefits when chosen in its natural form without added sugars or fats​​.

Almonds (my favourite) are a source of calcium and protein​​, and cashews are excellent sources of copper and magnesium, with high levels of manganese, phosphorus, zinc, and vitamins B6 and K​​.

Pecans are high in manganese, essential for bone health, metabolism, and heart functioning​​.