We'll say it again: Eat more nuts. These hard-shelled seeds are loaded with protein, fiber, and antioxidants. And their mono- and polyunsaturated fats have been shown to aid satiety, protect against heart disease, and boost cognitive function. If you're tired of the same old walnut-almond combo, spice up your nut bowl with these fresh favorites.
1. Vital Choice Organic Hazelnuts
Think hazelnuts are best as coffee flavoring or in dark chocolate? Think again. Mix them with other nuts, or crush and sprinkle over fish, chicken, grain salads, or greens. Beneath the rich aroma and silky texture, these dark, round beauties are full of vitamin B, phosphorous, and folate.
2. Just Cashews Dry Roasted Fair Trade Cashews
Buttery and crisp, these Central American organic, fair-trade nuts are packed with copper, magnesium, and calcium and are high in oleic acid—the monounsaturated fat found in olive oil.
3. Gold Mine Natural Food Organic Raw Pistachio Nuts
Almost too pretty to eat—almost. Crack into these organic pistachios, which contain slightly more fat than other nuts. Eat 'em plain, or chop and toss into your ice-cream bowl. Look for sprouted pistachios—which are easier to digest and are higher in nutrients—in your natural products store.
4. Organic Brazil Nuts
Native to South America, Brazil nuts taste like a cross between almonds and cashews and are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and selenium. Throw them in a green salad for crunch; or toast a handful, crush with fresh herbs, and use the mixture to coat halibut before roasting.
