I find that nuts are underrated as nutritious snacks especially raw ones from trees such as walnuts and almonds. When in fact they help lower cholesterol, keeps your heart healthy, helps your weight control and lowers cancer risk.  Nuts are also packed with protein, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin E, all of which keep your body happy and healthy. If you eat nuts you are less likely to die of heart disease that non – nut eaters. But some nuts are better than others. Here are the best nuts for your health.

ALMONDS

When it comes to nuts, almonds are king. Not only are they well known for lowering your bodies bad cholesterol, they’re also jam packed with healthy nutrients like magnesium, potassium and vitamin E. The great part is just by eating a few almonds a day, you are guaranteed to improve the health of your colon (section of the large intestines).  Personally I love to add almonds when I have chicken salad, yummy, but if you do not eat chicken or are just in a rush, almonds with apple slices make a wonderful on the go power snack.

WALNUTS

I believe only almonds is a better choice in the nut category, walnuts are a great source of nutrients which in term protects the heart and cardiovascular system. Loaded with omega-3 acids and antioxidants that have anti – inflammatory benfits (this is important to anyone suffering from asthma or arthritis), they’re also packed with ellagic acid, known for its cancer- fighting abilities. Eating this daily will strengthen your heart’s arteries and stave off the build – up of plaque caused by bad cholesterol. They’re a great way to get these healthy unsaturated fats if you are not a fish fan.

CASHEWS

Not only are they lower in fat than most other nuts, they’re also packed with heart – healthy antioxidants and omega- 3 and omega-6 fatty acids, that’s like equivalent to some fish! They are filled with magnesium, zinc, iron and copper, so they keep energy levels up, no matter what activity your are participating in. It has also been suggested that magnesium helps improve your memory and protect against age – related memory loss, its working for me so far (in my old age).

PECANS

Pecans are not just to make pies taste nice. They help improve your heart health. Pecans are one of the most antioxidant- rich nuts. They help prevent plaque formation in your arteries. One serving of these sweet nuts will provide you with enough vitamin E, folic acid, calcium zinc and magnesium to keep your body energized, and because they are loaded with fiber, it will most definitely keep you fuller for longer.