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Nuts are often discredited because they are considered fattening. They aren’t, by the way. Nuts may be high in calories, but we don’t count calories around here. Nuts are a great source of healthy fat, they don’t contain any cholesterol, and they are wonderful for your heart. They are satiating, which makes them ideal as a snack. Nuts also carry with them many, many benefits. So many that you could even go as far as calling them “superfoods”.

These super benefits include:

Walnuts: Good source of protein, fibre, and magnesium. They have a high level of alpha-linolenic acid, a type of brain-boosting omega-3 fatty acid.

Brazil nuts: High in selenium, which is super important for your thyroid.

Almonds: High in fibre and calcium, and an excellent source of vitamin E.

Cashews: You can get nearly 10% of your daily value of iron in a single serving of cashews. Also a good source of folate and vitamin K, which helps keep bones strong and blood clotting normally.

Pistachios: Rich in lutein, an antioxidant that’s also found in leafy greens and is important for healthy vision and skin. Plus, one serving gives you almost as much potassium as a small banana.

Macadamia nuts: High in fibre and protein, and rich in vital minerals like potassium, manganese, calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc.

One of the best benefits of nuts is that they can be used as a substitute for dairy. I’ve been making nut milk, cashew cream, and cashew cheesecake. I have also been adding nuts to my salads and quinoa. It’s awesome.

Click here to read about all of the culinary uses of nuts.

Click here to read why you should always soak your nuts before eating them.

What are your favourite nuts? How do you weave them into your diet?

Positive affirmation for the day: I surrender to the perfection of the present moment.