NO MENTAL DERANGEMENT HERE….
I only wanted a provocative headline. This will be a short post and I like to point out healthy anecdotes that I sometimes stumble onto.
A couple of days ago, I found myself overeating as I was snacking on a bag of pistachio nuts. I went to bed feeling uneasy about my lack of discipline.
Much to my surprise, I woke up the next day and found that I had lost a little over a pound. I was aware that pistachios were not low in calories and thus I felt compelled to do some investigating.
I wanted to research pistachios and other nuts for my own edification and to pass on what I could find.
So…this post will not be about workouts, though I may include some equipment or other fitness options under “Resources”.
PISTACHIOS
Pistachios have been consumed enjoyably since 7000 BC. Paraphrasing Healthline, here are 9 health benefits of pistachio nuts:
- There are many nutrients within pistachios. A one ounce serving provides 6 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, about 12 grams of unsaturated fats, 6% of the RDI for potassium, 11% of the RDI for phosphorous, 28% of the RDI for vitamin B6, 21% of the RDI for thiamine, 41 % of the RDI for copper and 15%of the RDI for manganese.
- Pistachios are high in antioxidants, which help to reduce cell damage and cancer risks.
- They are also high in protein, which supplies about 20% of their weight.
- Pistachios are energy-dense and have shown to be weight-loss friendly.
- They promote healthy gut bacteria
- Studies are showing that pistachios may lower blood cholesterol and blood pressure, thereby lowering the risk of heart disease
- They may promote blood vessel health
- Pistachios may help to lower blood sugar
- Pistachios are tasty and may be served in a variety of ways – as snacks, in baking, as a pizza topping, sprinkled over oven-baked fish, added to granola or as part of a dessert crust.
NUTS, IN GENERAL
Nuts are defined as fruits that contain shells and seeds. They are eaten around the world and in almost every country. The most common types are:
- Almonds
- Brazil nuts
- Pistachios
- Cashews
- Chestnuts
- Flax seeds
- Macadamia nuts
- Peanuts
- Walnuts
- Sunflower seeds
- Coconuts
Nuts are high in healthy fat content. They provide omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce the risks of colon, prostate and breast cancer.
Nuts are high in fiber and thus aid in the digestive process, promoting regular and comfortable bowel movements.
Fiber in nuts gives us a feeling of fullness, which prevents the release of gherlin, the hunger hormone. This keeps obese people from overeating.
Nuts are high in good cholesterol content and thereby reduce the risk of blood clots and atherosclerosis.
The amino acid within nuts, L-arginine, relaxes blood vessels and allows blood to flow more freely. This lowers our blood pressure.
Nuts are rich in Vitamin E, a strong antioxidant that aids in skin health by fighting the free radicals that cause wrinkling and premature aging.
With its omega-3 fatty acid content, nuts combat mental disorders, such as depression, Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia.
Nuts have high levels of potassium, which promotes cellular water balance to keep us properly hydrated.
Iron and copper content in nuts help to reduce the possibility of anemia
RESOURCES
Amazon provides a variety of choices of packaged gourmet nuts. (As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn from qualifying purchases). Check the links below and scroll around for other options as you see fit:
- Fancy mixed nuts
- Organic Brazil nuts
- Planters mixed nuts
- Unshelled pistachios
- Mauna Loa macadamia nuts
- Raw pecan nuts, 5 lbs.
- Unsalted mixed nuts
- Praline pecans, 2.5 lbs.
- Healthy snack packages, 20 packages
- Gourmet gift basket
- Macadamia nuts – 2 packages, 24 oz. each
Here are a few links to other fitness choices:
- Dick’s Sporting Goods – for access to all their departments.
- FitTrack – learn more about the Dara scale, which monitors 17 body metrics
- Goli Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies – for weight control
CONCLUDING
I had not fully appreciated the nutritional value of nuts – until I overate those pistachios and eluded any regrets the next morning. This is not to suggest that anyone should overeat nuts – or anything else. But if others have had doubts about the efficacy of nuts, this information should help.
Let me add that my blood pressure has been much better since I started eating more nuts.
Please leave me any comments or questions in the “Comments” section below. Or email me, richard@myworkoutathome.com.
Be well and enjoy the nuts!
