Why You Wanna Get Nutty
Why We Love Nuts & Seeds (& pack them in our blends)
We're huge fans of nuts and seeds because they're delicious and pack a ton of health benefits including:
1. They're a good source of protein, fibre, healthy fat, vitamins and minerals.
2. Certain nuts (almonds top the chart) have proven to help regulate body weight and food intake, and promote weight loss.
3. One small serving (about an ounce) of mixed nuts contains vital nutrients like Vitamin E, Magnesium, Phosphorous, Copper, Manganese, and Selenium.
4. Antioxidants, including the polyphenols in nuts, combat oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals (unstable molecules that may cause cell damage and increase disease risk).
5. They're proven to be beneficial for inflammation, lowering LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, as well as heart attack and stroke risk.
Pro tip: nuts are a high calorie and nutrient dense food, so you don't need to eat a lot to get the benefits. For the range: aim for about 2 to 3 Brazil-type larger nuts or 15 almonds for a snack size portion. Approx 2 tbsp of chia, hemp or flax seeds will do the trick (top over yogurt, salads etc).
Check out some of our fave nuts and seeds below, and the Blended For You smoothies that pack a nutty punch.
Our Favourite Nuts & Seeds
Chia seeds are full of important nutrients, like antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, iron, and calcium. Bonus: Omega-3 fatty acids help raise HDL "good" cholesterol that protects against heart attack and stroke.
Hemp seeds are rich in healthy fats and essential fatty acids, as well as being a great source of protein, Vitamin E, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron, and zinc.
Flax seeds are loaded with nutrients, high-quality protein, and are high in omega-3 fatty acids, lignans and dietary fibre. They also reduce hunger, lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.
Pine nuts are high in monosaturated fats, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, copper, iron, and manganese. They're linked to lower cholesterol levels and very beneficial to the cardiovascular system.
Brazil nuts are known as nutritional powerhouses due to their healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They're particularly high in selenium, and are known to reduce inflammation, support brain function, improve thyroid function, and support heart health.
Almonds contain healthy fats, fibre, protein, magnesium, and Vitamin E. Bonus: Almonds reduce hunger, promote weight loss, lower blood sugar levels, reduce blood pressure, and lower cholesterol levels.
Walnuts are rich in antioxidants, omega-3s, fibre, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. These healthy nuts also decrease inflammation, promote a healthy gut, reduce risk of some cancers, support weight control, lower/manage diabetes risk, lower blood pressure, support healthy aging and good brain function.