Nuts are one of the best foods that athletes can always carry with them to eat between meals and, in addition, have the energy to exercise. Nuts are hypercaloric foods. However, this food, consumed in moderation, can have many health benefits. Especially if you play sports.
Although it is true that the properties vary depending on the dried fruit, in question, all nuts are rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. This increases the concentration of HDL or good cholesterol, helping to reduce bad cholesterol. and strengthening our cardiovascular health.
Nuts are also rich in vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, potassium, iron, and zinc. In addition, they are a natural antioxidant. While it is true that it is very beneficial, it is important not to forget that it is a hypercaloric food. This means that we should consume it in moderation (between 20 and 30 grams a day) and in its natural version: neither salty nor fried nor toasted.
Nor should you be afraid of calories. It should simply be consumed in small doses. Nuts are perfect as a snack to take between meals as a healthy snack. You can also carry it in your pocket to eat during training.
Do not stay only with the calories it has. It is proven that people who eat nuts not only do not gain weight, but they can even lose weight. Nuts are the great allies of athletes.
Benefits of nuts for athletes
Nuts are the great allies of athletes. You can consume it before or during training. It favors muscle power due to the high caloric intake and its high calcium content. In addition, it also has a high fiber content, which favors intestinal transit. It is a good aid to slow down the absorption of sugar. It also makes a slower and progressive contribution of energy.
In addition, walnuts, hazelnuts, or pistachios also have anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, they help to better maintain the joints, which tend to suffer in the case of athletes. For those athletes who want to gain weight and/or volume, nuts are usually included in hypercaloric diets. It is a way to gain weight in a healthy way.
While it is true that all nuts have positive properties, some are much more beneficial than others, including walnuts, almonds, and peanuts.
Nuts are a high source of fat, but healthy. Therefore, its controlled intake does not have to be accompanied by weight gain. Most of these fatty acids are unsaturated, which is considered necessary for our composition, unlike saturated fats, which are found in cheeses.
Such are its benefits that the experts advise its consumption thanks to its virtues and its ability to control cholesterol.
Of course, the best way to consume them is as they are naturally. In oil, they are not bad, but they lose a lot of properties.
Therefore, always have a handful of nuts on hand during your workouts.
