Nuts are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals that keep you slim and healthy. For years, dieters have avoided these foods because of their high calorie content. According to the latest studies, less than 40 percent of the calories in nuts are absorbed into the body. Additionally, nuts contain good fats that increase fullness and promote weight loss.
Are Nuts a Weight Loss Aid?
Despite their high fat content, nuts make a healthy snack for those trying to slim down. These foods are a powerhouse of nutrition and suppress appetite. The fats in almonds, walnuts, and other nuts, protect you from heart disease, lower bad cholesterol, and slow down aging.
Nuts can help you lose weight in various ways. First of all, they are high in fiber, which fills you up quickly and regulates blood sugar. Secondly, the protein in nuts revs up your metabolism and helps build lean muscle. Nuts also contain zinc, magnesium, calcium, and other minerals that boost metabolism and thyroid function. Additionally, they are low in carbs and boast high antioxidant levels, which helps reduce inflammation and prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals.
The Best Nuts for Weight Loss
Snacking on nuts can help you stay full longer and eat less throughout the day. Just remember that some nuts are better for weight loss than others. Your diet should include pecans, walnuts, almonds, pine nuts, Brazilian nuts, and macadamia nuts. These superfoods are chock full of antioxidants, omega-3s, and vitamin A, C, D, and E. Brazilian nuts contain selenium, which supports thyroid health.
To lose weight, limit the consumption of peanuts, cashews, and pistachios. Cashews are high in urshiol, a chemical that may cause allergic reactions. Pistachios often contain traces of aflatoxin, which causes toxicity in the human body. Peanuts are actually legumes, not nuts, and may trigger allergies. Almond and peanut butters are an excellent choice for weight loss as long as you choose a brand with no added sugar or preservatives.
