Nuts for healthy weight loss:
Studies show that nuts contain a number of vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber and antioxidants which are all important for any healthy weight loss program. The fat and fiber content in nuts make them very filling and satisfying and so people tend not to overeat them. Studies have shown that eating small amounts of nuts help people lose weight.
One psychological benefit found was that people who ate nuts didn’t feel like they were on a diet which helped them stay on it longer. Nuts should be eaten in controlled portions. The idea with eating nuts should be to replace other high fat foods such as chips, cookies and doughnuts. Roasted nuts have several health benefits but for maximum health benefits consume raw nuts. Eating nuts contribute to good health and with a healthy body you will more efficiently burn fat and lose weight more quickly.
Benefits of various nuts:
Walnuts: These are rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Also contains potassium, magnesium, manganese, zinc and copper. Walnuts can help to lower the harmful LDL cholesterol.
Almonds: They contain good amounts of calcium, magnesium, vitamin E, zinc and phytochemicals which helps to protect against heart disease and cancer.
Pistachios: They contain good amount of Vitamin B along with protein and fiber.
Peanuts: They contain protein, fiber, thiamin, niacin and zinc in good amounts.
Cashew nuts: These contain good amounts of magnesium, zinc and phosphorous. Also contains some amounts of iron.
How much should your eat?
Stick to a few nuts per day. In a day about 4-6 of any of the larger nuts, tsp of any of the smaller nuts or 2 tsp of peanut butter should be good for a normal person.
Ways to use nuts in your diet:
As a snack between meals
Garnish on desserts, ingredients in salads, topping on breakfast cereals.
As a snack, a handful of roasted nuts can beat hunger because of the protein and fat content.
So for good nutrition and better health, make nuts as part of your balanced diet.
Author: Rekha Srinivasan
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1641277/benfits_of_eating_nuts.html?cat=5