Why is Trail Mix Healthy?

I. What is trail mix?

The origins of Trail mix can be traced backed to 1910 when it was first mentioned by Horace Kephart in his camping guide. Trail mix is considered as the go-to snack for hikers and trekkers as it is super easy and convenient to carry and acts as an energy booster!

Typically, a trail mix consists of different types of nuts, seeds, and dry fruits. But along the way, people added their own elements to it and improvised this special snack-mix. Now, there are several versions of it, each with a unique twist to it. SnacQ’s Masala Trail Mix consists of peanuts, cranberries, dark raisins, almonds, and pumpkin seeds along with a tangy twist of lemon and seasoning. An all-in-one snack which works as a great option for savoury snackers as a nutritionally balanced snack. 

When you come home after a long walk or after an intensive work out session, you need a perfect nutrition booster which provides you energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals. That's when Trail mix comes in handy. An ideal blend of flavourful ingredients like nuts, seeds, and dry fruits.

II. Why is trail mix healthy?

Nutrition Benefits of trail mix:

• Nutritionally balanced with protein, carbs and good fats
• Source of energy provided by nuts (almonds, peanuts) and dried fruits/berries
• High plant-based protein content from sources such as nuts and seeds
• Source of heart healthy fats such as Omega-3 from nuts & seeds
• Source of antioxidants, and essential vitamins and minerals

It’s all about the nutrition in the ingredients. We’ve covered the benefits of the respective ingredients below:

• Nuts

Nuts form the base of any trail mix. They are tasty and super healthy given high content of protein, fibre, and unsaturated fats. In addition, nuts are also a good source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Given the nutrient rich profile of nuts, they are known to reduce the risk of heart diseases, lower cholesterol levels and regulate blood glucose levels. Nuts when consumed in moderation may help in aiding weight loss. You should also watch out to make sure that the nuts in your trail mix aren’t roasted in oil as it adds extra calories without any incremental health benefits.

SnacQ’s Masala Trail Mix includes healthy nuts such as Peanuts and Almonds. Also, it’s worth noting that SnacQ’s Masala Trail Mix is roasted without a drop of oil!

• Seeds:

Seeds are an important addition to your trail mix. Seeds contain high amount of fibre, high protein from vegetarian sources, heart healthy fats and essential vitamins and minerals that are great for you. SnacQ’s Masala Trail Mix contains pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, that is full of valuable nutrients.

Consuming seeds helps you feel full for longer given the high amounts of fibre in the seeds. This may help you manage/reduce your weight. In addition, seeds are also known for helping reduce the risk of heart diseases and diabetes.

Consuming trail mix as your go to healthy snack for your mid-meal cravings is an excellent way to include seeds as part of your regular diet.

• Berries – For many people, berries are the best part about trail mix. They add a vibrant texture and colour to your trail mix. Let’s not forget, the long list of health benefits too. Berries have natural sugar present in them that provide you with energy. In addition, they are a great source of fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

SnacQ’s trail mix contain cranberries that are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Manganese.  Also, rich in antioxidants, cranberries are good for your heart, gut health and even your teeth. 

III. Why should trail mix be your go to healthy snack?

It’s an all-in-one snack that provides you with carbs for energy, protein for muscle building and recovery, heart healthy essential fats, antioxidants and key vitamins, minerals.

Moreover, it is tasty, healthy, and convenient. You can take it anywhere with you – for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling, for travel (work or vacation) and even to your office or college to consume as a mid-meal snack with your tea/coffee breaks. At SnacQ, we also produce trail mix in pocket-sized packs that you can literally put in your pocket! Trail mix is also a super convenient snack to eat as you don't need to put in any extra effort to prepare it. You can enjoy this healthy snack as it comes. Just open the packet and dig in!

IV. How to make sure your trail mix is healthy? How to choose the right healthy trail mix?

While choosing the correct trail mix for yourself, there are a couple of things that you should keep in mind. Trail mix is healthy and convenient, but you also need to be mindful about the type of trail mix you choose, and the ingredients used.

Make sure to check the nutrition label and other important information (such as the ingredient list) mentioned. For better health benefits, you should go for a trail mix that contains healthy and high-quality ingredients such as seeds and nuts. You should also avoid trail mixes that contain too much of chocolate, candies or trail mixes that contain a high level of added sugar or sodium.

It is also good to ensure that your trail mix is not roasted in oil as it adds unnecessary calories without providing any supplemental health benefits. Keep an eye out while buying your trail mix for candied dried fruits/berries that are loaded with artificial sugar, which not only adds extra calories but also lacks any health benefits.

It is also important to consider the portion size. Nuts and seeds provide maximum health benefits when consumed in moderation.

At SnacQ, we make our trail mix with no oil, no artificial sugar, and no preservatives! Learn more about our SnacQ Masala Trail Mix .

V. Summary

In summary, trail mix is considered as a healthy snack as the nuts, seeds and dried fruits make up a nutritionally balanced snack. Trail mix provides you with energy through carbs, and aids muscle building and recovery through high content of vegetarian protein. In addition, trail mix provides you with healthy fats such as Omega-3 that are good for the heart, antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals that benefit your heart, eyes, skin, and other body parts.

However, choosing a healthy trail mix is very important. You should be careful about nuts and seeds that are roasted in oil, candied berries/dry fruits and ensure that trail mix doesn’t have too much of chocolates or other unhealthy ingredients. Also, nuts and seeds are best recommended to be consumed in moderation so watch out for the portion sizes.

Like this blog? Share it with your friends and do let us know what you think so that we can share more content you like. 

Read our previous blog

Source: 

1. https://eu.heraldmailmedia.com/story/lifestyle/food/2019/08/28/celebrate-national-trail-mix-day/44262805/

2. https://www.nutritionletter.tufts.edu/healthy-eating/the-health-benefits-of-nuts/

3. https://www.uaex.uada.edu/publications/pdf/FSFCS95.pdf

4. www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/nuts-and-seeds%22

5. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-cranberries/