Eating nuts during winter can significantly boost health due to their dense nutritional profile. Nuts like almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and cashews are rich in healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals that provide energy and help maintain warmth in cold weather. They support immune function, improve skin health, and combat winter dryness. Additionally, their antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties help protect against seasonal illnesses like colds and flu, making them an essential part of a winter diet. Keep reading as we share a list of benefits you can achieve from consuming a handful of nuts daily this winter.
10 Reasons to have a handful of nuts daily during winter
1. Provides energy and warmth
Nuts are calorie-dense and rich in healthy fats, which provide sustained energy during winter when the body needs more fuel to stay warm. Omega-3 fatty acids in walnuts and almonds help regulate body temperature and keep you feeling cozy.
2. Boosts immunity
Nuts like almonds and Brazil nuts are packed with vitamin E and selenium, which are powerful antioxidants. These nutrients strengthen the immune system, helping your body fight off colds, flu, and other winter ailments.
3. Improves skin health
Cold weather often leads to dry and flaky skin. Nuts like almonds and cashews are rich in vitamin E, zinc, and essential fatty acids, which nourish the skin, prevent dryness, and promote a healthy glow during winter.
4. Supports brain function
Walnuts, known as "brain food," contain omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants that enhance cognitive function and protect against mental fatigue, which is common during the darker winter months.
5. Aids heart health
Nuts like almonds and pistachios help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL), improving heart health. Their magnesium and potassium content also supports healthy blood pressure levels during winter.
6. Reduces inflammation
Winter can exacerbate inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Nuts such as walnuts and pecans contain anti-inflammatory compounds and omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce joint pain and stiffness.
7. Promotes digestive health
The high fibre content in nuts like almonds and pistachios aids digestion and prevents constipation, a common issue during winter due to reduced physical activity and water intake.
8. Helps maintain healthy weight
Despite being calorie-dense, nuts promote satiety, reducing hunger and preventing overeating. A handful of mixed nuts can act as a satisfying snack, curbing unhealthy cravings during the colder months.
9. Enhances bone strength
Nuts like almonds and Brazil nuts are rich in calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which strengthen bones and teeth. This is particularly beneficial in winter when the body's Vitamin D levels might drop due to limited sunlight exposure.
10. Improves mood and reduces stress
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and winter blues are common during colder months. Nuts, especially walnuts, contain tryptophan, an amino acid that helps boost serotonin levels, improving mood and reducing stress.
Including a handful of nuts in your daily diet during winter can provide warmth, enhance overall health, and protect against seasonal challenges, making them a valuable addition to your winter wellness routine.
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