Ready for one of my go-to healthy snacks?
The perfect blend of crunchy, sweet, and savory, all packed into one nutritious handful. Whether scaling a mountain, powering through your workday, or simply snacking on the sofa, this mix is the vibrant and nourishing companion you never knew you needed.
The mix of cashews, dried cranberries, walnuts, sunflower seeds, peanuts, and almonds. This combination provides various health benefits due to the assortment of nutrients in each ingredient; it is so stinking crazy good, too!
Here are some of the reasons why I love this Texas Trail Mix:
1. Rich in Healthy Fats:
Nuts and seeds, like almonds, walnuts, cashews, sunflower seeds, and peanuts, are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats help reduce bad cholesterol levels and increase good cholesterol, improving heart health.
2. Source of Protein:
These foods are excellent plant-based protein sources, essential for muscle growth and repair.
3. High in Fiber:
Nuts and dried fruits are high in dietary fiber, promoting a healthy digestive system by aiding in regular bowel movements and helping control blood sugar levels.
4. Loaded with Antioxidants:
Nuts like walnuts, almonds, and dried cranberries are packed with antioxidants, which protect your cells against free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
5. Contains Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
Walnuts, in particular, are a great source of alpha-linolenic acid, a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid. Omega-3s are known for their anti-inflammatory effects and may help protect against heart disease.
6. Promotes Bone Health:
Almonds are rich in calcium, and almonds and sunflower seeds provide magnesium, two minerals essential for bone health.
7. Energy Booster:
Combining carbohydrates from dried cranberries and protein and fats from nuts and seeds make this mix an excellent energy booster. It’s a good snack to maintain sustained energy levels throughout the day.
8. May Support Weight Control:
Due to their high fiber and protein content, these foods can help you feel full and satisfied, which may aid in weight control.
9. Provides Essential Minerals and Vitamins:
This mix is a powerhouse of essential minerals like magnesium, zinc, calcium, potassium, selenium, and vitamins E, B6, and folate, contributing to overall well-being and immune support.
While this combination offers many health benefits, it’s also high in calories due to the nutrient density of the nuts and dried fruit. Therefore, moderation is key when consuming this mix. It’s also important to remember that many dried fruits and some nuts are often sold with added sugars or salt, which can offset some health benefits, so it’s best to opt for unsalted, unsweetened varieties when possible.
