For many years, people believed, some still do, that in order to be healthy and lose weight that you needed to go on a low-fat, low-calorie diet to achieve such. Of course, this is a myth that has been disproved several times over with numerous studies, etc. Some of the foods that were not recommended on these low-calorie, low-fat diets included seeds and nuts. Just as it was found with the low-fat diets, you’re nuts not to eat nuts and seeds. Here are a few reasons why.

First, although nuts and seeds can be high in calories and fat, studies have shown that they can assist with weight loss. Since they tend to be high in fiber and are two of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet, seeds and nuts make you feel satiated usually after slightly less than a hand full. (one ounce of chia seeds provides 11 grams of fiber) With it requiring so few to make you feel less or no longer hungry, what better way to keep you from inhaling some sugary, high carb, high calorie or salty snack? It is much healthier, and simply a better feeling for your body to be filled with good, natural fiber that will assist your digestive system, amongst other things, than with artery and intestine clogging high calorie, high carbohydrate, sugary, or salty items which will undoubtedly cause you weight gain along with a host of other undesirables. Besides, your body needs a certain amount of good fats, which seeds and nuts can provide, to function properly.

Secondly, as was mentioned prior, nuts and seeds are two of the most nutrient dense foods in the world. They’re crunchy, fulfilling, and loaded with vital nutrients that so many people don’t get enough of like zinc, magnesium, vitamin E, vitamin B-complex, iron, copper, manganese, calcium, selenium, fluoride, and potassium. One ounce of almonds contains 75 milligrams of calcium. An ounce of sun flower seeds contains 100 milligrams of magnesium. One hundred grams of coconut provides 113 milligrams of phosphorus. It is these and other minerals and vitamins that people seek to recover via pill supplements not realizing their body is absorbing very little if any of the nutrients in this manner. Consuming seeds and nuts are a much more recommended and natural way to acquire these vital vitamins and minerals.

Lastly,  seeds and nuts are filled with heart-healthy, omega-3, inflammation reducing fats which studies have shown to lower bad cholesterol levels and raise good cholesterol. In addition, blood fat decreases and inflammation in the body declines making for improved heart function, reduced risk of heart disease and other ailments of the body, and less joint pain. One spoonful of flaxseed oil provides about 8 mg of omega-3 fatty acids. Delicious macadamia nuts are a rich source of mono-unsaturated fats( MUF’s) and fiber. Pumpkin seeds are another good source of MUF’s as well as protein.

Nuts and seeds are a part of a health eating plan. Both can help you in your quest to lose weight, stay away from unhealthy snacks, and achieve you daily recommendations of vitamins, minerals, protein and omega-3, heart healthy good fats. They also benefit your health by playing a role in disease prevention as you age. So, are you going to keep on thinking that a low-fat, low-calorie diet is the way to go? It seems quite clear that you’d be nuts to do so.

 

~centerfield6

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