Why You Should Go Nuts for Nuts

If nuts aren't in your regular snack rotation, you're missing out on major disease-fighting nutrients that protect your heart, boost brainpower, and more.

Nuts are underrated as nutritious snacks ? particularly raw tree nuts, such as almonds, cashews, walnuts, and more, which have been linked to lower cholesterol, better heart health, weight control, and even a lower cancer risk.

Unfortunately, too few Americans eat nuts regularly: They account for less than eight percent of daily antioxidant intake. "That may be because people are afraid of the fat and calories in nuts, or they find plain nuts boring,? says Joy Bauer, Today Show nutritionist and bestselling author. ?That?s a shame, because a small handful can pack your diet with filling protein, fiber, unsaturated fats, and important vitamins and minerals.? Here?s how your health benefits each time you nosh on a handful of nuts.

 Pack Your Lunch

A packed lunch isn?t just for kids. Packing a healthy lunch to take to work will make it easier to eat more healthfully throughout the day. Remember to pack nourishing, satisfying snacks, too, so you don?t give in to the afternoon lure of the vending machine (or cafeteria cookie, sweet coffee drink or whatever your particular vice may be). Think about taking leftovers from last night?s dinner and adding some cut-up vegetables, fruit and nuts for snacks.