Nutrition and Healthy Life

Nuts offer lots of health benefits to the body. They contain important nutrients, and are key to many supplements to the body. As nuts are 80 % fat, therefore it is advisable to consume them in moderation. The fats present in most of the nuts are the heart healthy fats (such as monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats), which help to lower the bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood. They are also a source of fiber and proteins in the diet. One can replace the unhealthy sweets and salty fried snacks (such as chips), with nuts in regular diet. When weight management is required, do not over eat nuts in diet. The health benefits of various nuts are discussed below: Walnuts - The walnuts contain ellagic acid which is an antioxidant. It is also a source of omega-3 fatty acid, and other heart healthy fats. Walnuts protect the heart and increases the elasticity of the arteries. It has anti-inflammatory properties. Almonds - These are the rich source of nutrients such as magnesium, ca...

The essential fatty acids are not synthesized by the human body, and must be ingested for good health.  They perform the following functions in the body: Maintains healthy lipid profile, by increasing the good cholesterol (HDL) and decreasing the bad cholesterol (LDL) Boosts the immune system to help fight diseases Required for blood clotting Improves blood pressure Prevents aging by keeping the skin healthy Prevents weight gain Prevents build up of plaque in the arteries, thus preventing heart diseases. Regulates reproductive functions such as conception, breast feeding etc. Regulates normal functioning of the brain Essential fatty acids are of 3 types: omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids There are three kinds of omega-3 fatty acids required by our body: DHA (Docohaxenoic Acid), EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid), and ALA (Alpha Linolenic Acid) DHA and EPA: DHA and EPA are very important nutrients for the bra...