Trail mix offers several potential benefits related to both its portability and nutritional content. Trail mix is popular for its portability and convenience, making it a great option for on-the-go snacking.
This allows you to tailor your trail mix to your taste and experiment with new ingredients to add some diversity to your diet. Protein is an important nutrient essential for muscle growth, tissue repair, immune health, and more 1.
Eating more protein may also help support weight loss by reducing your appetite and enhancing feelings of fullness 2 , 3. The nuts and seeds found in trail mix are rich in heart-healthy fats , including poly- and monounsaturated fatty acids 4. Studies show that unsaturated fats could decrease high LDL bad cholesterol levels, a risk factor for heart disease 5.
Other research also suggests that swapping out refined carbs and saturated fats in your diet for foods high in unsaturated fatty acids may be linked to a lower risk of developing coronary heart disease 6. Plus, many types of nuts and seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which could help reduce inflammation and protect against various chronic health conditions 7. Trail mix is a great source of protein and heart-healthy fats. Some varieties are high in unhealthy ingredients like candy, chocolate, or cereal, increasing the calorie and sugar content of each serving.
Added sugar consumption may not only cause weight gain but also contribute to conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and liver problems 8. Certain types may also be rich in sodium , especially if they contain high sodium seasonings or salted nuts and seeds. Consuming high amounts of sodium could increase blood pressure levels in some people, especially those who are sensitive to the effects of salt 9.
Furthermore, many ingredients found in trail mix are calorie dense, including nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and chocolate. Some types of trail mix may be high in added sugar and sodium. Trail mix also contains many calorie-dense ingredients, so controlling your portion sizes is important. Although trail mix can be a healthy and convenient addition to a balanced diet, the type of trail mix you select is important. For starters, be sure to check the nutrition label carefully and steer clear of varieties high in added sugar or sodium.
Ideally, you should also look for products that contain nutrient-dense ingredients like nuts , seeds, and dried fruits and limited amounts of candy or chocolate chips, if any. Read our four best reasons to press your tofu here. We've heard loads about the health benefits of this Mediterranean oil, but some vegans refuse to use it - find out if olive oil is vegan.
Imitation crab isn't crab, but it still isn't always safe for vegan consumption. Read more in our guide and find better options. About Us. Our Impact. How To Press Tofu. Shop now. Your headline. Image caption appears here. Add your deal, information or promotional text. Previous Next. Like many other foods, modernized food industries adapt the ingredients in this fruit and nut mix to make it more appealing to its consumers and grab a bigger share of the trail mix market: Some producers choose to pump their trail mix full of high-end beneficial ingredients like goji berries so they can charge a premium and appeal to health-minded consumers.
Others create mixes that appeal because they drop in some tasty but less-nutritious ingredients, like chocolate or added sugars, while still riding on the consumer belief that eating trail mix is healthy. What is Trail Mix? Trail mix usually contains: Roasted or raw nuts; Dried fruits; Most often, makers often add in seeds, cereal, pretzels, chocolate, candy, coconut, and more - you can toss almost any dried food into the mix. Seasoning: Almost any blend of spices, from savory chili flavors to sweet cinnamon and nutmeg mixes Sweetener: maple syrup, honey, stevia, coconut sugar, and refined sugar Salt Health Benefits of Trail Mix Trail mix is the snack of choice for hikers for a good reason - beyond convenience, this tasty snack offers some pretty hefty health benefits.
High Protein and Low-Glycemic Index Nuts Nuts and seeds are a great plant-based protein source, which helps to grow strong cells and maintain most bodily functions. Fiber and Satiety The main ingredients in the trail mix are high fiber: dried fruit, nuts, and seeds.
Plant-Based Fats Nutrition experts tout Plant-based mono- and poly-unsaturated fats as the best types for our bodies, and the best source of these fats are plant-based ones like nuts and seeds. Antioxidant and Nutrient-Rich All of the primary ingredients in trail mix contain loads of antioxidants and other essential nutrients.
Each recipe makes about 4 cups; store in a tightly covered container. Sign In. Become a Member. Remember Me. Forgot username or password? Not a member? Need further assistance? Please call Member Services at Is Trail Mix Good for You? Some blends are healthy and tasty; others, not so much. By Rachel Meltzer Warren. August 31, Sharing is Nice Yes, send me a copy of this email.
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