Amazing Benefits of Nuts and Seeds
Nuts, most seeds are rich in protein, healthy fats, fibre, minerals such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, plant iron and zinc, and contain vitamins B1,B2, B3 and vitamin E. Oily seeds also contain antioxidants that stop the fats from going rancid too quickly
Although nuts and seeds are high in energy and fats, eating nuts is not associated with weight gain. In fact, based on large population studies, higher nut intake has been found to be associated with lower body weight.
- Fat Absorption – fats in nuts are not fully digested and absorbed by the body. Research shows that only 68 to 94 per cent of fats from nuts are absorbed
- Hunger and Fullness – nut consumption promotes fullness and suppresses hunger or the desire to eat. As a result, food intake is reduced. This effect is due to the protein, fat and fibre content of nuts
- Energy Expenditure – some research suggests that eating nuts can increase the amount of energy we burn.
A variety of nuts and seeds can be included in a healthy diet. As different types of nuts have slight differences in their vitamin and mineral content, eating a variety of nuts will increase your levels of various nutrients.
