Healthy Snacks Part I

1. Almonds

Why Eat Them?
* Naturally cholesterol free
* Rich in vitamin E, low in saturated fat and a good source of fibre, protein, riboflavin, biotin, magnesium and calcium.
* Contains 13 essential nutrients. A handful daily may help lower LDL, or ‘bad’ cholesterol
* May aid weight loss as they can make you feel fuller for longer

How To Eat/Use Them
* Great for snacking on
* Use in baking recipes
* Mix with other dried fruit, nuts and seeds to create a healthy snack
* Can be added to muesli or smoothies



2. Apricots

Why Eat Them?
* Contain vitamin A, good for healthy heart, skin and eyes
* Low in fat and high in complex carbohydrates
* Packed with beta-carotene (vitamin A), a powerful antioxidant, which may help promote good vision
* Good source of iron, needed by the body to produce red blood cells; and fibre, to help maintain healthy digestion and bowels.

How To Eat/Use Them
* Great for snacking on
* Satisfy sweet cravings by eating unsulphured naturalapricots which have a similar taste to caramel
* Eating straight from bag or place in a bowl, pour boiling water and leave for several minutes to plump up
* Add chopped or sliced apricots to muesli, cereals, porridge or yoghurt.


3. Brazilian Nuts

Why Eat Them?
* Packed with selenium, a powerful antioxidant vital for helping boost our immune systems
* Contain phytoestrogens which are thought to help improve menopausal symptoms.
* Rich in vitamin E, and phosphorus and magnesium, both required for bone health
* Good source of zinc, essential for helping process the carbohydrate, protein and fat in the food we eat

How To Eat/Use Them
*Great for snacking on
* Use in baking recipes
* Can be eaten raw or coated in chocolate yoghurt
* Mix with other dried fruit, nuts and seeds to create a healthy snack


4. Cashews

Why Eat Them?
* Nutrient rich with a satisfying crunch taste
* Good source of protein and naturally cholesterol free
* Rich in iron
* About 75% of the unsaturated fatty acid in cashews is oleic acid, which may help reduce cholesterol levels in the blood when combined with a low fat diet.
* Rich in magnesium and phosphorus, both important for healthy bones, teeth, and joints
* Rich in zinc, good for keeping immune system healthy and essential for good digestion and metabolism

How To Eat/Use Them
* Great for snacking on
* Can be eaten raw, oven roasted or salted
* Use in recipes, particularly Chinese or Indian dishes
* Mix with other dried fruit, nuts and seeds to create a healthy snack