Eating a handful of nuts to start your day might help you eat more sensible meals all day long. According to a report in the Harvard Medical School newsletter, eating nuts at least twice every week can assist people in keeping their weight in the normal range. One reason is that nuts give us a sense of fullness that can curb overeating at the next meal.

Nuts are nutritious little bundles, full of fiber, antioxidants, unsaturated fat, protein, potassium, and magnesium. The fat worries some people—but researchers say nut oils are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated, which makes them good for your heart and blood lipid levels. Nuts also contain plant sterols that have been proven to reduce cholesterol.

What kind of nuts should you become nuts about? Walnuts are rated highest in all nutrients, but pistachios, almonds, macadamia, and brazil nuts are also highly nutritious. Remember that, technically, peanuts are not nuts but legumes. While peanuts have some positive nutritious qualities, they also can be irritating to some digestive systems; also, many peanuts are affected by a kind of mold that can be toxic in high amounts or to sensitive individuals.

Source: Metronews Canada with contributions by AltMeds.com editorial staff.