Are you looking for some healthy food options in Fayetteville AR? Fruits and veggies are always a good food choice, but sometimes you crave something crunchy, portable, and fun - a snack! At those times, you should think of nuts.

Nuts are low in saturated fat and high in unsaturated fat, a combination that helps them reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) levels without lowering good cholesterol (HDL) levels. The fat makes them satisfying, and since most nuts contain lots of monounsaturated fatty acids and omega-3 essential fatty acids, they help guard against heart disease and strokes, as well as other diseases associated with aging.

Healthy Snack Options in Fayetteville AR

Here are some specific research results for particular varieties of nuts:

• Almonds are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are particularly high in calcium and magnesium. Almond flours make a good alternative to wheat flour for people sensitive to gluten. They have also been found to reduce the risk of diabetes.
• Cashews are high not only in vitamins and minerals, with one of the highest iron levels, but also in phytochemicals. Cashews have been found to reduce the risk of macular degeneration in older people.
• Peanuts, though they are legumes rather than tree nuts, also make good sources of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Peanuts are also a great source of protein and B vitamins.
• Pecans contain healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Along with other tree nuts, pecans are associated with lower levels of abdominal fat.
• Pistachios are particularly high in antioxidants and vitamins. Their nutritional profile is comparable to dark leafy vegetables.
• Brazil nuts are high in vitamins and minerals, particularly selenium, which has been identified as a preventative for prostate cancer.
• Walnuts have the highest levels of popyphenolic antioxidants, disease fighting agents. Some of the specific health-giving ingredients that have been isolated in walnuts: alpha-linolenic acid, quinone juglone, and tannins that reduce inflammation.

The Harvard School of Public Health recommends substituting mixed nuts for other snack foods. Dr. Myshka suggests that you follow this recommendation as part of your healthy chiropractic lifestyle.