oleh admin | Mar 30, 2025 | health benefits, health tips, healthy eating, nutrition, nutritionists
Packed with beneficial fats, proteins, vitamins, and antioxidants, hazelnuts promote cardiovascular well-being, might lower the chance of developing certain cancers, and could aid in regulating blood glucose levels when eaten regularly.
According to
Healthline
Hazelnuts boast an impressive nutritional composition. In each one-ounce (28 grams, approximately 20 pieces) serving, you’ll find around 176 calories, with 17 grams of fat, 4.2 grams of protein, 4.7 grams of carbohydrates, and 2.7 grams of fiber.
This portion offers 21% of the suggested daily amount of vitamin E, 12% for thiamine, 12% for magnesium, 24% for copper, and an impressive 87% for manganese.
Moreover, hazelnuts are abundant in omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids and offer significant quantities of vitamin B6, folate, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.
Thanks to their strong nutritional profile, hazelnuts provide these significant health advantages:
1. Preventing aging
Research suggests that eating hazelnuts, whether you consume them with or without their skins, can significantly decrease oxidative stress—an important contributor to aging—due to their high antioxidant content. For optimal antioxidant effects, it’s advisable to have raw, unhulled hazelnuts as opposed to roasted ones because the process of roasting may lower the level of antioxidants present.
2. Enhancing heart health
Consuming hazelnuts can enhance cardiovascular well-being due to their high content of antioxidants, beneficial fats, and dietary fibers. Studies indicate that regular intake of hazelnuts aids in reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In an investigation, participants who ate hazelnuts every day experienced a notable decline in LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, along with improvements in arterial function and reduced inflammation indicators.
The beneficial fats found in hazelnuts, particularly oleic acid, might also assist in managing blood pressure levels.
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A heap of hazelnuts. Illustration photo by Pixabay
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3. Reducing cancer risk
Hazelnuts include antioxidants and useful components that have been linked to various health benefits.
a reduced chance of developing specific types of cancer
Including proanthocyanidins and vitamin E, these compounds can shield cells from oxidative harm, which is closely associated with cancer progression. Preliminary studies indicate that hazelnut extracts might aid in preventing or managing different types of cancer, like those affecting the breasts, liver, and colon.
4. Reducing inflammation
Hazelnuts are rich in beneficial fats that possess anti-inflammatory characteristics. Consuming them regularly can lead to substantial reductions in inflammation indicators like C-reactive protein (CRP), particularly among those who are overweight or obese.
high cholesterol
.
Although hazelnuts cannot completely eradicate inflammation on their own, incorporating them into a well-balanced diet may assist in managing persistent inflammatory conditions.
5. Assisting in reducing glucose levels in the blood
The main fatty acid found in hazelnuts, oleic acid, is linked to better blood sugar control, which makes these nuts a helpful food choice for people who have or are prone to developing type 2 diabetes.
Moreover, consistent consumption of nuts, such as hazelnuts, has been associated with reduced blood glucose levels.
6. Improving digestion
Hazelnuts offer a significant quantity of
dietary fiber
, supporting overall digestive health. As reported by Medical News Today, eating fiber-rich foods such as hazelnuts aids in maintaining regular bowel movements and helps prevent constipation.
7. Reducing weight gain
New studies suggest that eating nuts like hazelnuts frequently might aid in preventing excessive weight gain. In a 2018 report, people who included nuts in their diet regularly had a lower chance of becoming overweight or obese than those who seldom indulged in them.
oleh admin | Feb 2, 2025 | depression, eating habits, health and exercise, nutrition, nutritionists
Eating breakfast before 9 am might considerably lower your chance of experiencing
depression
, a study suggests.
Researchers discovered that males and females consuming their initial meal after 9 am exhibited a 28 percent higher likelihood of experiencing poor mental well-being and mood issues compared to individuals having their first meal prior to 8 am.
The research discovered that entirely skipping breakfast also negatively affected mental health.
Surveys indicate that nearly half of the population in the UK struggle to make time for a proper breakfast, and among those who do manage to have something, about a third end up eating it at their desks as they rush to work.
Physicians at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University in
China
examined the breakfast routines of nearly 24,000 grown-ups across 11 years.
They recorded if the volunteers commonly had breakfast in the morning along with the specific timing.
The findings, detailed in The Journal of Affective Disorders, revealed that individuals who ensured they had their breakfast were less prone to being diagnosed with depression compared to those who consistently skipped eating in the morning.
Early risers who dined before 8 am also showed a lower risk of experiencing mental health problems compared to individuals eating after 9 am.
It’s unclear exactly why postponing breakfast seems to have such a detrimental impact.
A hypothesis suggests that consuming food late in the day or skipping meals could indicate disrupted sleep patterns, a inactive lifestyle, or insufficient daily drive — which might all serve as possible red flags for declining mental well-being.
According to data from the Office for National Statistics, one out of every six adults in the UK frequently experiences moderate to severe signs of depression.
Read more
oleh admin | Jan 23, 2025 | almonds, health, healthy living, nutrition, nutritionists
Among the most beneficial nuts, almonds, pistachios, and walnuts stand out for their array of advantages, making them excellent additions to your diet.
According to
Healthline
, nuts are veritable hubs of nutrition, abundant in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, beneficial fats, and proteins. Research mentioned by
Health.com
suggests that consuming nuts could aid in lowering the chances of developing diabetes, heart disease, and specific types of cancer.
Let’s take a detailed look at nine of the most nutritious nuts you should consider adding to your diet.
1. Almonds
An ounce (28 grams) of roasted almonds contains 170 calories, with 15 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein, and 3 grams of fiber. They also include vital nutrients like vitamin E and magnesium.
Vitamin E aids in safeguarding cells against oxidative harm and supports both immune system functionality and cell-to-cell communication. Research indicates that almonds could assist in decreasing LDL (low-density lipoprotein), which is considered bad cholesterol, along with reducing inflammation, thus enhancing cardiac and gastrointestinal well-being.
2. Pistachios
Pistachios contain fewer calories and less fat compared to numerous other types of nuts, offering 159 calories, 13 grams of fat, and 6 grams of protein for each ounce. These nuts are abundant in vitamin B6 as well as antioxidants such as lutein and flavonoids. Such nutrients aid in lowering blood pressure, boosting metabolic processes, enhancing immune system performance, and maintaining good cardiovascular health.
3. Walnuts
Pecans stand out due to their significant content of ALA omega-3 fatty acids, offering 2.57 grams per ounce. Additionally, they include vital minerals such as copper and manganese, aiding in maintaining brain health and bolstering the immune system.
Studies indicate that consuming walnuts may help decrease LDL cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and triglycerides, thereby lowering the risk of heart disease.
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A mix of various nuts in a bowl. Stock image by Pexels
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4. Cashews
An ounce of
cashews
includes 157 calories, 12 grams of fat, and 5 grams of protein. These also serve as an excellent source of vitamin K, magnesium, and manganese—nutrients crucial for maintaining strong bones.
Research indicates that cashews could potentially enhance blood pressure and triglyceride levels; however, additional studies are required for confirmation.
5. Pecans
A single ounce of pecans contains 201 calories, 21 grams of fat, and 3 grams of fiber, as well as zinc and manganese. Zinc aids in immune system support, promotes wound healing, and assists in DNA synthesis.
Pecans might also aid in enhancing cardiac health by reducing LDL cholesterol levels.
6. Macadamia nuts
An ounce of Macadamia nuts includes approximately 204 calories, 21.5 grams of fat, and 2 grams of protein, as well as vitamins like B1 and minerals such as manganese. Studies indicate that these nuts may aid in reducing LDL cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and blood glucose levels.
7. Brazil nuts
Brazil nuts are a great source of selenium, as one ounce provides 989% of the recommended daily intake. This mineral aids in thyroid function and DNA synthesis; however, they should be eaten in moderation to prevent excessive consumption.
These nuts are abundant in vitamin E and magnesium, nutrients that assist in regulating blood glucose levels and blood pressure, maintaining proper nerve function, and boosting energy creation. Furthermore, they exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics.
8. Hazelnuts
An ounce of hazelnuts contains 178 calories, with 17 grams of fat and 4 grams of protein. These nuts are abundant in vitamin E, manganese, magnesium, and health-promoting phytochemicals. Such nutrient content can contribute to reducing LDL and overall cholesterol levels while providing anti-inflammatory advantages.
9. Peanuts
Although botanically classified as legumes, peanuts share a nutrient profile akin to tree nuts. Each ounce of peanut contains approximately 7 grams of protein and includes polyphenol antioxidants along with folate. This latter nutrient is particularly crucial during pregnancy for promoting healthy fetal and placental growth.
Peanuts might also lower the chances of developing cardiovascular diseases and strokes; however, this advantage doesn’t apply to peanut butter.
oleh admin | Jan 21, 2025 | diet and nutrition, healthy eating and living, mental health, nutrition, nutritionists
SHAH ALAM – Although radiant skin and a toned body typically indicate a wholesome diet, the significant effect of nutrition on mental well-being tends to be ignored.
Given that the World Health Organization (WHO) reports at least 970 million people worldwide suffer from issues like anxiety and depression, the impact of nutrition on mental health merits more focus.
Professor Dr Winnie Chee, an expert from IMU University in the fields of nutrition and dietetics, emphasized the strong link between what we eat and our mental well-being. She pointed out that the brain depends on vital nutrients to keep functioning properly.
The brain requires nourishment to operate efficiently—it utilizes glucose for its energy needs, proteins to produce neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, and fats to form the protective covering around nervous system tissues.
“As our knowledge expands and new research emerges, we are observing increasing proof that our eating patterns could be connected to mental well-being,” she stated.
She mentioned that studies have revealed a significant connection between diet and mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
She further noted that some research has linked nutrition to the onset of neurocognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s, due to shortages in specific nutrients.
THE INVOLVED CONNECTION BETWEEN DIET AND EMOTIONS
Professor Chee highlighted that the relationship between nutrition and mental health works both ways: a healthy diet promotes good mental well-being, whereas individuals dealing with mental health problems frequently encounter difficulties in sustaining adequate nutritional habits.
Your state of mind and actions are shaped by your diet, and numerous behavioral factors influence how you eat.
She mentioned this encompasses emotional eating, scenarios that spark desires for fatty and sugary foods, along with stress-related factors that lead us to consume more or less food than usual.
She highlighted how children frequently mimic the eating patterns of their parents. Elderly individuals might face difficulties like restricted availability of healthy food options, trouble with preparing meals, and reduced hunger caused by long-term health conditions.
Moreover, Professor Chee pointed out that stress-induced and emotionally-driven eating frequently leads to cravings for sweets or fatty items, adding another layer of complexity to the relationship between dietary habits and general health.
She mentioned that these patterns can lead to a cycle which negatively impacts both mental and physical well-being.
INCORPORATING LOCAL CUISINE FOR BETTER MENTAL AND PHYSICAL WELL-BEING
Although diets such as the Mediterranean model are praised for their advantages, they might be expensive or not suitable for local communities here.
Professor Chee suggested incorporating the guidelines of this dietary approach into a Malaysian setting, dubbing it the “MediterrAsian diet.”
This method emphasizes an active lifestyle, complemented by consuming plant-based items such as whole grains, beans, nuts, and lentils, all of which contribute significantly to maintaining good gut health—a crucial element for overall mental wellness.
Professor Chee mentioned that foods like sardines, abundant in Omega-3, along with eggs and chicken, which supply tryptophan to aid in serotonin creation, are equally important.
The ease of following this diet comes from utilizing readily accessible and budget-friendly local ingredients.
She mentioned that leafy greens, tropical fruits such as papayas, and legumes are plentiful in Malaysia, which makes it simpler to include these nutrient-rich items in everyday dishes.
Mindful Eating: The Secret to Healthier Decisions
To truly reap the advantages of a healthy diet, being mindful while eating is crucial.
Professor Chee pointed out that contemporary living patterns, along with city growth and the abundance of ready-made meals, have resulted in a decrease in wholesome dietary practices.
“Being mindful is crucial for addressing this issue, and you can begin by observing your eating patterns or what sets off these tendencies. This way, you might discover whether stress, boredom, or sleepiness makes you consume larger amounts,” she explained.
Practices such as meal planning, having healthy snacks readily available, and utilizing apps for tracking eating patterns can greatly impact one’s diet. For instance, bananas or precut fruits serve as easy-to-reach, wholesome snack options suitable for hectic routines.
MALAYSIA’S DIET CHALLENGES
Even though Malaysia offers plenty of healthy food options, she pointed out from the 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey that an overwhelming 95 percent of Malaysians fail to eat the suggested five servings of fruit and veggies each day.
Moreover, half of the populace has an inactive lifestyle, as 84 percent do not participate in consistent physical activity.
“Fiving servings each day isn’t much — simply equivalent to about one and a half cups of veggies such as greens during meals, along with two pieces of fruit like papaya or pineapple,” she explained.
Even though inexpensive and healthy locally grown foods are accessible, Professor Chee highlighted that numerous Malaysians still do not reach the suggested nutritional guidelines.
A COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY FOR MENTAL WELL-BEING AND DIETARY NUTRITION
Prof Chee movingly called for increased education and awareness to equip Malaysians with the knowledge needed to make well-informed food decisions.
She emphasized the significance of integrating a diverse, nourishment-packed eating plan along with consistent exercise to boost mental well-being and general health.
She emphasized that educating Malaysians extensively is necessary so they can adopt an engaged and accountable stance towards their consumption habits. A balanced diet rich in various nutrients coupled with regular exercise is crucial not only for enhancing mental health and well-being but also for reducing the risks associated with numerous severe health issues.
As communities face growing mental health issues, the importance of nutrition as a key pillar for well-being merits greater attention.
Through deliberate food selections, people can proactively enhance both their bodily wellness and their emotional fortitude.
oleh admin | Nov 22, 2024 | diet and nutrition, health, health and exercise, nutrition, nutritionists
Peanuts, almonds, and pistachios are protein-rich alternatives to eggs for those looking to diversify their dietary variety.
Health news platform
Eating Well
notes that eggs are renowned for being a protein powerhouse, with about 6 grams of protein per serving. They are often used as a benchmark for evaluating the protein content in other foods. Yet, certain nuts can match this standard, providing a compact and nutrient-dense source of energy, as demonstrated by the three examples below.
1. Peanuts
Although peanuts are technically legumes, they are generally categorized as nuts due to their similar taste and nutritional value. A 1-ounce (29 grams) serving of peanuts provides 7 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber, making them an excellent choice for a fulfilling snack.
According to
Medical News Today
, peanuts are also rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Their nutritional benefits include supporting heart health, managing blood sugar levels, and more.
2. Almonds
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Peanuts serve as an excellent egg alternative because of their high protein levels.Illustration photo by Pexels
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Almonds stand out as well, with 6 grams of protein per ounce (about 23 almonds).
Besides protein, 23 almonds also deliver 3.5 grams of fiber, which exceeds 10% of the daily recommended fiber intake. They are additionally beneficial for their antioxidants and contributions to heart health.
3. Pistachios
Not only do pistachios add a delightful taste to different recipes, they are also notable for their high protein content, offering 6 grams per ounce when shelled. Additionally, these nuts offer multiple health advantages such as providing considerable levels of potassium, vitamin B6, and manganese.
New studies suggest that pistachios could boost gut health through increases in advantageous microorganisms.
While
nuts
contain more calories than
eggs
Their extensive range of nutrients, such as protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, renders them a crucial component of a well-rounded diet. Incorporating a variety of foods rich in different types of proteins, complex carbs, fibers, and beneficial fats is key to maintaining excellent overall health.
