Nuts can get a bad press as they are associated with peanuts and salted nuts you buy in shops or munch on in bars while waiting for a meal or having a drink. These are not very nutritious as they are full of salt and are highly processed. For most people who try to lose weight it is always about reducing the fat content of their diet and this is where nuts get the boot! Therefore it is important to say that human beings need good fats in their diet to help boost mood and keep joints lubricated. Good fats also promote healthy nails, skin and hair.
In their raw state nuts are natural superfoods. If you don’t eat fish and want to get a boost of Omega – 3 fatty acids, look no further than a handful of almonds or one or two Brazil nuts or cashew nuts, which you can get, from health food shops or most large supermarkets. Just look for the pure unprocessed ones, without additives or salt. Nuts are an excellent source of vegetable protein. Almonds are a good source of calcium for those of you who avoid dairy foods.
Nuts are a versatile food and can be blended to form nut butters like almond butter and peanut butter. These spreads are loaded with goodness and have a rich sweet flavour. Spread almond butter over an oatcake or bagel or rice cake and you get the richness of that buttery taste as well as an energy-giving source of protein and fat.
As always when we eat omega 3 rich foods it can have a positive impact on our mood and because of the richness of the taste, it takes less of it to satisfy our hunger. Nuts are also a good source of zinc, which is a good defence against stress. Hazelnuts and almonds contain folic acid, which again is good for supporting the nervous system, which in turn can help reduce the intense low mood that can accompany depression.
Walnuts are great in salads and on cereals either finely chopped or eaten whole. Nuts are such a versatile food and can be a great alternative to meat or fish or a handy snack food to eat with a piece of fruit.
