“Move over, apples: A handful of nuts a day keeps the doctor away—and might help you live longer, according to new results from two long-running Harvard studies” -Harvard Health Publications
We are health nuts! And, at Mana Foods we’re proud to carry a large selection of nuts (in the Bulk & Grocery Departments). Naturally, we thought it about time to share some of the facts when it comes to the health benefits of nuts!
“These bite-size nutritional powerhouses are packed with heart-healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals.” -Health.Com
" 'We found that people who ate nuts every day lived longer, healthier lives than people who didn’t eat nuts,' said study co-author Dr. Frank Hu, professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health." -Harvard Health Publications
"The report, in tomorrow’s New England Journal of Medicine, showed that daily nut-eaters were less likely to die of cancer, heart disease, and respiratory disease." -Harvard Health Publications
In addition to the above findings, The Mayo Clinic offers a lot of good information on healthy eating habits, and they said it best in regards to listing some of the health benefits of nuts.
“Besides being packed with protein, most nuts contain at least some of these heart-healthy substances:
Unsaturated fats. It's not entirely clear why, but it's thought that the "good" fats in nuts — both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats — lower bad cholesterol levels.
Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in many kinds of fish, but many nuts are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are a healthy form of fatty acids that seem to help your heart by, among other things, preventing dangerous heart rhythms that can lead to heart attacks.
Fiber. All nuts contain fiber, which helps lower your cholesterol. Fiber makes you feel full, so you eat less. Fiber is also thought to play a role in preventing type 2 diabetes.
Vitamin E. Vitamin E may help stop the development of plaques in your arteries, which can narrow them. Plaque development in your arteries can lead to chest pain, coronary artery disease or a heart attack.
Plant sterols. Some nuts contain plant sterols, a substance that can help lower your cholesterol. Plant sterols are often added to products like margarine and orange juice for additional health benefits, but sterols occur naturally in nuts.
L-arginine. Nuts are also a source of l-arginine, which is a substance that may help improve the health of your artery walls by making them more flexible and less prone to blood clots that can block blood flow.” -The Mayo Clinic
Happy eating Maui, we hope this slice of information added a little flavor and flare to your next meal or snack. It’s the little things in life that add up to the whole, and the same goes for nutrition, healthy habits and snacking. Enjoy!
**We’d like to acknowledge that we’re not doctors/nutritionists, and advise you to take responsibility for your own food choices and personal allergies.
