DENVER — Nuts and seeds are a great snack that provide healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They are easy to grab and easy to take with you anywhere.
They contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants like vitamin E, selenium, magnesium, potassium, and polyphenols.
The omega 3 fats, which are important for heart and brain health, are found in walnuts, chia seeds, and ground flax meal. The healthy fats and fiber also help with digestion and increase the diversity of gut microbiome.
Adding nuts and seeds in a healthy diet has been shown to improve blood glucose, blood cholesterol, blood pressure, and help maintain a healthy weight. So, they are good for the heart and good for the gut.
Healthy and easy ideas for snacks:
- Nuts and berries.
- Nuts and dark chocolate.
- Granola with nuts and seeds.
- Nuts and seeds crackers.
- Nuts and seeds chocolate bark.
Recipe for nuts and seeds crackers:
- 1 cup of a mixture of nuts and seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, walnuts, hemp seeds)
- 2 Tbsp. flax meal
- 2 Tbsp. agave syrup
- 1 Tbsp. chia seeds
- 2 Tbsp. water
- Pinch of salt
- 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
Mix and bake at 300 degrees for 30 minutes.
Recipe for nuts and seeds chocolate bark:
- 1 cup of a mixture of nuts and seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, slivered almonds, crushed walnuts, hemp seeds)
- 3 ounces of dark chocolate (about 85%)
- 1 tsp. coconut oil
Melt chocolate and coconut oil using a water bath method or in a microwave. Stir occasionally and once the chocolate is melted combine with nuts and seeds. Transfer mixture on a baking sheet line with parchment paper and freeze for 30 minutes. Remove from the freezer and store in a container in the fridge.
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