While no one can deny the fact that chips and bhujiyas have always been the tempting choices to satiate weird time cravings, it gets essential to realise that these fried foods are associated with multiple health-related issues. Hence it gets important to look for healthier options to munch during those untimely hunger pangs. A trail mix can be considered as a popular choice of healthy snacks. Trail mix is basically a mixture of various nuts, dry fruits and seeds, which is power-packed with several essential nutrients.
Speaking about the nuts used in a trail mix, they are one of the most nutritionally dense foods around. As per experts, nuts offer a healthy combination of essential fats for all your vital hormones, fibre for your digestion, proteins for the cellular repair and recovery and of course, carbohydrates for energy that keeps you going.
Let's find out which are the most important nuts used in a trail mix:
Almonds
These drop shaped nuts are a powerhouse of nutrition. Almonds are a good source of B vitamin riboflavin. They are also linked to lowering LDL cholesterol in innumerable studies. Almonds are rich in monounsaturated fats, fibre, phytosterols, plant protein, tocopherol, arginine, magnesium, copper, manganese, calcium, and potassium. Here's an option, if you want to buy:
Walnuts
Walnuts are packed with minerals like manganese and copper. It also contains ellagic acid that helps to block metabolic processes like inflammation that may lead to insulin resistance and diabetes. Walnuts are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein and fiber that make you feel full for a longer time. You may consider this option for buying to make your own trail mix:
Cashew Nuts
Cashew nuts are good source of antioxidants, iron, vitamin E and K, protein and several other minerals. Manganese present in cashews are vital for bone health and the monosaturated fat-content promotes heart health. If you want to buy cashew nuts, here's an option for you:
Pistachios
Pistachios, or as commonly called pista, are high in fibre content that keeps you fuller for long, thus preventing over-eating. The fiber present in this nut also helps in boosting metabolism. Pistas are enriched with monounsaturated fatty acids that help reduce high blood pressure. You may go for this option: