A Healthy Reason To Go Nuts

If you think you’re crazy to go nuts, think again. Research has shown that eating nuts regularly can contribute to good health.

What is it in nuts that should make you go nuts? If truth be told, nuts have plenty of health benefits. Nuts contain the good fat Omega-3 which has been tagged to lower low density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol levels. As such, nuts are an important factor in maintaining a good heart condition. In certain studies conducted, women who have had a serving of nuts four times a week have lesser chances of dying from a heart disease.

Nuts, too, are abundant in proteins, fiber, vitamins and antioxidants. Nuts also contain arginine, an amino acid that is said to help improve sexual health. Another amino acid that is present, particularly in walnuts, pecans, and almonds, is tryptophan which stimulates serotonin production, thus enabling a more relaxed state of mind.

There are, of course, different types of nuts, but the healthiest nuts are walnuts, almonds, cashew nuts, macadamia and brazil nuts, and pecans.

Also called the king of all nuts, walnuts contain ellagic acid which has the ability to fight cancer and boost the immune system. Almonds are considered to be the most powerful nut in lowering bad cholesterol levels. Almonds are also rich in fiber, Vitamin E, selenium, and calcium. Cashew nuts contain an abundance of oleic acid, a healthy kind of fat that is also found in olive oil. Macadamia nuts have high fiber and protein content, while brazil nuts are rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Pecans are very rich in vitamins and minerals, and just like almonds, they have been also found to significantly lower bad cholesterol levels.

Quite interestingly, nuts are also good for the skin. Peanuts, particularly, can effectively treat dry skin. As you must know, peanuts contain oils that moisturize the skin. Scoop around five tablespoons of peanuts and make a paste out of them. Add milk and honey, and apply the mixture to your face. Allow it to dry first before rinsing it off with cold water. So next time you run out of moisturizers, just grab a handful of peanuts!