Healthy Snacks For Nutritious Munching

Healthy snacking doesn't necessarily mean compromising with the taste buds. Nutritionists have time and again pointed out snacks that not only have a high nutritive value but are also delicious to devour upon. From the flavourful aroma of roasted chickpeas to the melting sweetness of yoghurts, healthy snacking agrees with the connoisseurs on many levels. Adding to it, certain scientific studies have pointed that healthy snacking also cuts on sudden hunger pangs, irritability, lethargy, and lousy afternoon slumps. This is precisely why many corporate setups are taking up the concept of office snacks, which has been proven to have a direct relation with employee productivity in some cases. Here are some of the healthy snacks that you can munch on guilt-free!

1. Makhana

Makhanas also called fox nuts, or lotus eeds, come from a plant called Euryale Fox which grows in the stagnant water of wetlands or ponds in Eastern Asia. They are low in cholesterol, fat and sodium. This makes them an ideal snack to satiate those in-between meal hunger pangs. They are beneficial to those suffering from high blood pressure, heart diseases and obesity due to their high magnesium and low sodium content. Makhanas are also recommended for diabetics too due to their low glycemic index.

2. Ragi Chips

Ragi chips or nachni chips are other healthy snacks that are power-packed with protein and fibre. Both protein and fibre can induce the feeling of satiety, making you feel fuller for longer, a characteristic essential for a mid-day snack. Protein also plays an important role if you are trying to lose weight, and therefore, these chips can be a great choice. 

3. Oats

Oatmeal is a comforting, nutritious breakfast that somehow feels indulgent. A variety of antioxidants known as avenanthramides are found exclusively in oats. Avenanthramides have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-itching activity and may provide additional protection against coronary heart disease, coronary cancer, and skin irritation. They also may play a role in controlling blood pressure. 

4. Yoghurt

Yoghurt is a dairy product made by fermenting milk with yoghurt culture. It provides protein and calcium, and it may enhance healthy gut bacteria. Health benefits range from protecting against osteoporosis to relieving irritable bowel disease and aiding digestion, but these depend on the type of yoghurt consumed.

5. Dried Apricot

Dried apricot can offer you the goodness of apricot fruit in every season. This amazing fruit contains fibre, vitamin A, C and E, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and antioxidants. The presence of vitamin C and E in apricots makes it a superfood for the skin. You can fight damage from UV rays, pollution or signs of ageing with the consumption of apricots.

6. Trail Mix

Trail mix is typically built around a variety of nuts. The American Heart Association recommends eating about four servings of unsalted nuts per week. If, however, you're watching your calorie consumption, you'll want to be especially mindful of your portion size, as nuts are known to be nutrient-dense.

7. Roasted Chana

Roasted chickpeas are a non-perishable snack that's high in protein, fiber, and several vitamins and minerals. A 1/2 cup of chickpeas has 5 grams of fiber and 10 grams of protein. What's more, they contain most of the amino acids your body needs, so their protein is considered to be of higher quality than that of other legumes. Vacuum Fried Tangy Chickpea are super healthy and very low on calories and can make for a delicious indulgence.

Also Read: Gluten Free Snacks