What is the Healthiest Nut?
Nuts are one of nature’s best superfoods, packing in healthy fats, vitamins, minerals and fibre in a small but potent package. Nuts are also a good source of heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids and powerful antioxidants.
Eating nuts has been shown to reduce the risk of high blood pressure, protect heart health, balance cholesterol levels and help to maintain a healthy weight. But with so many varieties to choose from, which type of nut provides the most health benefits? That’s a difficult question.
Most nuts are good sources of monounsaturated fat, healthy fat also found in olive oil which has been shown to provide many of the health benefits associated with nuts. They are also naturally low in saturated fat which isn’t so good for us, making for a preferential fatty acid composition. Throw in the fact that nuts pack in a good dose of protein, fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and nuts are a great example of Mother Nature’s superfood.
What is the Healthiest Nut?
No single nut variety is the healthiest in my opinion. But let’s look at some of the health benefits of each type of nut:
- Macadamia Nuts – Protect heart health, reduce inflammation and balance cholesterol
- Brazil Nuts – High in selenium which protects the body from damaging free radicals
- Almonds – Improve insulin sensitivity, enhance memory and help balance cholesterol
- Hazelnuts – Lower cholesterol and triglycerides to promote heart health
- Pecan Nuts – Boost antioxidant activity
- Walnuts – Improve brain function and enhance sleep quality
- Cashew Nuts – Good for eye, skin, hair and nail health
- Pistachio Nuts – Improve lipid levels and balance cholesterol
- Peanuts – Reduce the risk of heart disease and gallstones
If you don’t enjoy eating whole nuts but still want to reap their amazing health benefits you can incorporate nut butters. Such as almond or peanut butter into smoothies, sauces and homemade snacks. Activated nuts provide all of these amazing health benefits with anti-nutrient compounds removed, helping you to absorb them better and to maximise the benefit of every serving.
Our product range includes a few different types and flavours of activated nuts, have a look here.