Benefits of nuts and seeds

In order to lead a healthy life, maintain a healthy weight, and enjoy an optimal quality of life, we need to ensure that we’re eating healthy and consuming nutrient-rich foods.

When it comes to healthy produce, we instantly think of fruit and vegetables. Fruits and veggies are loaded full of natural goodness, but they aren’t the only healthy foods that we should focus on. Nuts and seeds are incredibly nutritious and delicious without us realizing.

If you're looking to add more plant based nutrients to your diet, here’s why you should add nuts and seeds to your diet.

Rich in good fats

One of the main reasons why people tend to stay clear of nuts and seeds is because they’re worried about the fat content. 

Nuts and seeds are high in calories and fats, but the fats that they contain are incredibly healthy. Many nuts and seeds are full of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that provide cognitive health benefits and cardiovascular health benefits. 

Nuts and seeds are also rich in Omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids. All are great for the brain, the heart, fighting inflammation and much more.

If you consume them in moderation, the fats and calories found in nuts and seeds will not harm your weight.

May help to reduce bad cholesterol levels

Consuming too many unhealthy trans fats over time can increase our LDL cholesterol level. LDL cholesterol is known as "bad" cholesterol because it can cause accumulations of fatty deposits in the arteries that can cause them to become blocked, putting you at risk of a heart attack. 

Many varieties of nuts have been found to help reduce LDL cholesterol levels and blood triglyceride levels. Nuts and seeds can potentially help you avoid a heart attack or other various types of cardiovascular issues that can be life saving. 

Pistachios have been found to reduce blood triglyceride levels by as much as 33%, a significant drop. 

Nutritional powerhouses

Nuts and seeds are full of vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K, along with other essential minerals such as magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, copper, manganese, selenium, and more.

Nuts and seeds are so rich in nutrients, they’re considered to be nutritional powerhouses that can supercharge your immune system like never before. 

Great source of plant-based protein

Protein is essential for muscle growth and recovery, cellular health and recovery, and countless other physiological processes. While meat, fish, eggs, and dairy are all rich in protein, if you are vegetarian some of these protein sources are off the table, and if you’re vegan then they all are. 

Nuts and seeds are ideal for people following a plant-based diet as they’re a fantastic source of plant-based protein.