September 12, 2016
Not only do nuts taste utterly delicious, they house a host of nutrients that help boost our health. A good source of beneficial fats, magnesium, potassium and a variety of antioxidants, not to mention a touch of protein, these little gems provide us with a great balance of nutrition to round out meals, snacks, and yes, desserts! A recent JAMA (Journal of the the Medical Association) study found that those who consume nuts more often, lower their risk of death from some of the most chronic health issues like high blood pressure and diabetes.
Here are 5 simple ways you can help patients reduce their risk of disease and enjoy a tasty treat.
- Toss walnuts or pecans into your salad. Toast to give an extra burst of flavor.
- Throw cashews into a stir fry with sugar snap peas, ginger, garlic, and carrots.
- Top plain yogurt with hazelnuts, cocoa powder, vanilla and a touch of honey for a Nutella-esque sweet delight!
- Put almond butter in a food processor with dates and cinnamon and a bit of salt. Roll into balls or spread on a sheet and put in the fridge for fruity nut snack.
- Add pistachios to a quinoa salad with olive oil, lemon juice, green onions and your favorite herb.
Help your patients have fun experimenting with how nuts can find their way into their daily diets. Seeds are wonderfully beneficial as well. If they haven’t tried sunflower seed butter, tahini (sesame seed butter) or pumpkin seed butter slathered on an apple or banana, encourage them to give it a try! Your taste buds (and ticker) will thank you.
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