When it comes to super foods, it is hard to beat nuts. Eating nuts as a part of a balanced and healthy diet is believed to be good for the heart. Almost every nut that we currently eat in India is packed with nutrients, and some nuts are healthier than the others.
Let’s take a look at how they can help keep your heart healthy.
Heart health benefits of nuts
#1. Nuts have ‘good fats’
Nuts have a high level of unsaturated fats (both mono and poly unsaturated fats) that can lower the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood. In addition, nuts also contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown from numerous studies to protect the heart from heart attacks.
#2. Nuts have a high fiber content
Fiber is necessary for healthy bowel movements, and studies have shown that a diet rich in fiber can maintain a healthy heart. Fiber helps keep the cholesterol low and can also help prevent the development of diabetes.
#3. Nuts are rich in L-arginine
L-arginine is a naturally occurring substance that promote the health of the walls of the arteries in the body. It helps them relax and prevents the development of blood clots within them. In other words, they can prevent heart disease and heart attacks.
#4. Nuts are a good source of vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin that can reduce the development of atherosclerotic plaques within the arteries. This in turn can help reduce heart disease and heart attacks.
#5. Nuts are high in plant sterols
Plant sterols are compounds that are believed to help lower cholesterol. Certain kinds of nuts are rich in plant sterols and can help keep the levels of bad cholesterol down.
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