7 Nuts to add to your diet

High in fiber and vitamins, nuts are a nutritious and filling snack food. Consider these seven nuts for a healthy and tasty addition to your diet. Nuts often get a bad rap for their fat content, but they're actually considered a healthy food if eaten in moderation.

According to MayoClinic.com, "People who eat nuts as part of a heart-healthy diet can lower the LDL, low-density lipoprotein or 'bad' cholesterol level in their blood. High LDL is one of the primary causes of heart disease."

Nuts also travel well for a healthy on-the-go snack and are relatively inexpensive. Integrate these nuts into your diet for a healthy alternative to high-calorie sugary snacks.

Cashews

Next time you're craving a crunchy snack, throw out those greasy potato chips and snack on some crunchy sweet cashews. Cashews are high in magnesium, which plays an important role in maintaining a healthy blood pressure

Pistachios

According to the Pistachio Health Institute, "Pistachios are an excellent source of copper and manganese, and a good source of phosphorus. They're also an excellent source of vitamin B6, offering 20% of the Daily Value per serving."

Almonds

Almonds are a powerhouse of nutrients. Almonds contain more calcium than any other type of nut and are high in vitamin E

Pecans

Pecans provide healthy fats and aid in reducing the risk of heart disease. Consider adding pecans to yogurt, fresh salads or cereal

Hazelnuts

Hazelnuts are also a powerhouse of vitamins. Hazelnuts rank #1 among tree nuts in folate content. Folate plays a role in reducing the risk of birth defects. Hazelnuts are also high in fiber, helping to keep those hunger cravings under control. Add some crunch to your next salad by tossing it with hazelnuts

Pine Nuts

Pine nuts pack a punch with their high vitamin A and lutein content, which are essential nutrients for healthy vision

Walnuts

Walnuts are significantly high in Omega-3 fatty acids. Studies also show that walnut consumption reduced breast cancer risk by one-half in laboratory mice, according to a report in the journal Nutrition and Cancer by Marshall University researchers

Source sheknows.com