Health & Nutrition: The benefits of nuts

A little food for thought...

Bursting with a multitude of nutrients such as protein, vitamins, minerals and heart-healthy essential fats, it's no secret that nuts pack a powerful nutritional punch, but did you know that eating half a handful a day can boost more than just your health and energy levels?

Aside from being a speedy snack for the health conscious, a recent study indicates that men and women who consume at least 10g - roughly half a handful - of nuts or peanuts a day have a reduced risk of contracting deadly diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

In order to ensure that you reap the results of these remarkable findings, opt for healthier alternatives such as almonds, walnuts, pecans and hazelnuts as opposed to salted nuts and peanut butter - studies show that the latter fails to provide the same protection as nuts and peanuts.