Written By Sam Henselijn
Trail mix is one of the most popular snacks around. It is not only flavorful, filling, and portable, but it can be customized to suit personal preferences and nutritional needs. Hit the Trail Mix!
It is considered an ideal snack for hikers because it is lightweight, easy to store, and nutritious, with most varieties including at least nuts, seeds and dried fruit. These mixes provide a quick energy boost from the carbohydrates in the dried fruit, and sustained energy from the fat in nuts. There are significant health benefits from eating the right type of trail mix.
However, there is a great deal of leeway in what may make up a trail mix besides the basics, as long as they meet the criteria for portability and shelf life.
These can include: chocolates (chocolate chips, chunks, and M&M’s), breakfast cereals such as granola, rye chips, shredded coconut, and pretzels, along with spices and seasonings like sea salt, garlic powder, thyme, cinnamon, and paprika.
Certain varieties of trail mix may also include sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
National Trail Mix Day is celebrated every 31st of August each year.
This special day gives recognition to the popularity of trail mix. People once ate trail mix only while hiking; however, trail mix is now eaten almost everywhere, and not just on hikes.
The Legendary History of Trail Mix
The recipe for trail mix is most likely European in origin, where it has been known as a snack under various names in various countries since the 17th century.
The modern mix of nuts, raisins and chocolate as an energizing snack dates back at least to the 1910s, when outdoorsman Horace Kephart recommended it in his popular camping guide.
Another legend regarding the history of trail mix puts its origin in 1968, when it is said that two surfers in California combined peanuts and raisins to eat as an energy-boosting snack. BUT trail mix is also mentioned in Jack Kerouac’s 1958 novel The Dharma Bums when the two main characters describe their planned meals for a hiking trip.
In Australia and New Zealand they call trail mix Scroggin.
Trail mix is also called GORP (Good Old Raisins and Peanuts or
Granola, Oats, Raisins, and Peanuts); but according to the Oxford English Dictionary, the verb gorp, means “to eat greedily”. So, the “good ol’ raisins and peanuts” explanation may be folklore.
You have the opportunity to try our GORP mix for yourself at L’Orenta’s. Consisting of dried cranberries, roasted and salted sunflower seeds, roasted and salted peanuts and L’Orenta Chocolate Gems, it hits the spot for great taste and nutrition. L’Orenta’s GORP mix is available in Grab’ N’ Go containers or 1 pound bags.
At LorentaNuts.com we offer over 100+ in-house made and created trail mixes.
Health Benefits of Trail Mix
Be aware that not all Trail Mixes offer the same health benefits. Although trail mix can be a healthy and convenient addition to a balanced diet, the type of trail mix you select is important.
First, be sure to check the nutrition label carefully and avoid varieties that are high in added sugar or sodium.
Always look for products that contain nutrient-dense ingredients like nuts, seeds, and dried fruits and limited amounts of candy or chocolate chips, if any. Healthy ingredients include almonds, pumpkin seeds, cashews, sunflower seeds, dried fruit, popcorn, and dark chocolate.
You can also boost your enjoyment of the trail mix even further by using spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper
Remember, it is important to monitor your portion sizes to avoid overeating.
The health benefits provided by trail mix combine the benefits of eating dried fruit with the benefits of eating nuts. These include abundant antioxidants, protein, unsaturated fats, fiber, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and other vitamins and nutrients essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
More specifically:
Increased nutrient intake
The drying process condenses the nutrients in the dried fruit. It can provide more vitamins A, and C, potassium, folate, iron, calcium and magnesium per serving.
The many health benefits of nuts are due to the rich variety of vitamins, minerals, and organic compounds that are found in many of them. More specifically, the benefits come from the dietary fiber, monounsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid, flavonoids, carotene, L-arginine, vitamin E, plant sterols, and minerals like copper, calcium, potassium, zinc, magnesium, and manganese.
L’Orenta Gourmet Nuts and Goodies has a splendid variety of trail mixes that provide all of the nutritional benefits of dried fruit and nut mixes enumerated above. These include our Extreme Trail Mix, consisting of dried cranberries, seedless raisins, golden raisins, roasted almonds, diced pineapples, and L’Orenta’s famous Chocolate Gems to give you a boost when you need it most.
*L’Orenta’s trail mixes are available in Grab’ N’ Go containers or 1 pound bags. *At L’ OrentaNuts.com we offer over 100+ in-house made and created trail mixes.
Prevention and control of diabetes
Antioxidants in dried fruit can improve the response of insulin. They can also prevent oxidative stress and inflammation in the pancreas.
Nuts show potential benefits in the management of and prevention of diabetes. Research shows that eating four servings of nuts a week lowers the risk of developing diabetes. In addition, all nuts are naturally low in carbs and high in healthy fats and protein, which makes them a safe and delicious snack for people being mindful of their carb intake.
Strengthened immune system
Dried fruit contain iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C. The vitamin C in dried fruit not only enhances the immune system. It also improves skin quality and fights off infections.
Antioxidants, including the polyphenols in nuts, can combat oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals — unstable molecules that may cause cell damage and increase disease risk.
Improved colon and digestive health
Dried fruit has prebiotic fiber. This helps the healthy bacteria to keep the digestive tract going. They are also high in potassium, vitamin A, vitamin K, and fiber.
Every single variety of nut has a high fiber content. Fiber is important to the digestive process, reducing constipation and enabling regular bowel movements. This reduces the chances of developing various digestive conditions like hemorrhoids or polyps. Furthermore, fiber acts to scrub out excess cholesterol from the body, particularly the damaging omega-6 fatty acids.
Anytime is the right time to try L’Orenta’s Supreme Trail Mix. Enjoy golden raisins, seedless raisins, roasted and salted pumpkin seeds and roasted and salted peanuts in a crunchy blend, which is topped off with our delectable Chocolate Gems. This mix is simply bursting with fiber, vitamins and antioxidants, so that you can always stay on track no matter what the trail throws at you.
Aids healthy pregnancies
Dried dates may aid smooth labor and delivery. It can help the cervix dilate in the last few months of pregnancy. This may reduce the risks of induced labor. Dates also have other benefits for pregnant women. They have potassium, iron, and fiber. Dried dates are among the best antioxidant sources.
Promotes weight loss
Certain dried fruit dates and raisins can help increase metabolism. This can improve energy and promote weight loss. Dried fruit also can keep cravings at bay. They can fill a stomach for a couple of hours. Also, dried fruit can prevent bloating.
Nuts are composed almost entirely of saturated fats leaving you feeling more satisfied after eating, helping you eat less over time. Research has shown that people who eat nuts frequently are at a lower risk of gaining weight than those who seldom eat nuts.
Indulge in the fabulous fruity flavor with the Royal Cranberry Trail Mix. This mix of seedless raisins, dried cranberries, golden raisins, roasted and salted peanuts and roasted and salted pumpkin seeds is blended with L’Orenta’s popular Chocolate Gems for a unique blend of sweet and savory flavors, which are sure to tickle your taste buds. Dried fruit is brimming with antioxidants and fiber, making it the perfect way to nourish your body while treating your sweet tooth. Guilt-free snacking has never tasted so good!
Prevents bone-related illnesses
Eating dried fruit can help reduce the risks of osteoporosis. Prunes help suppress bone breakdown, especially in older women. This gives the bones enough time to recover.
Improves heart health
Dried fruit can improve heart health. An ounce of dried fruit
contains more antioxidants and fiber than one ounce of fresh fruit. These components are essential parts in keeping your heart healthy. Dried cranberries, for example, can help prevent blood clots. This may aid in keeping consistent blood flow from the heart throughout the body.
Research suggests that eating nuts may lower low-density (LDL or “bad”) cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which play a major role in the buildup of deposits called plaques in your arteries, improve the health of the lining of your arteries, lower levels of inflammation linked to heart disease, and reduce the risk of developing blood clots which can lead to a heart attack and death.
Nuts also contain an important amino acid called L-arginine, which relaxes blood vessels and eases any constriction or chronic contractions. When blood vessels are relaxed, blood flows more freely, and blood pressure decreases.
Also, blood clots are less likely to impact the body when the vessels are relaxed and the blood is flowing quickly and smoothly.
Nuts are also a rich source of resveratrol. This powerful compound inhibits the activity of angiotensin, which causes blood vessels to tighten. It also induces the release of nitric oxide, a known vasodilator.
As a result, nuts can improve your heart health and lower your risk of dying early from heart disease and other causes.
Skin health
Incorporating more dried fruit in diets can also keep skin looking fresh and healthy. Dried mangoes provide omega 3 and other fatty nutrients that help improve skin quality. Raisins have resveratrol, which is a natural skin-aging inhibitor.
Most nuts are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E and phytosterols. Sunflower seeds, almonds, cashews, and peanuts contain vitamin E, making your skin
Helps Prevents Anemia and hypertension
Many kinds of dried fruit such as apricots are rich in potassium. It helps prevent hypertension and palpitation. Iron can also be found in apricots, prunes, and raisins. Increasing iron intake through dried fruit can help reduce the risks of anemia. This makes dried fruit an essential part of vegan and pregnancy diets.
Reduces the risks of mental illnesses
Dried berries like strawberries and blueberries can help promote mental health. They are high in antioxidants, which can help prevent memory loss and other mental illnesses. These are best for the elderly who are more susceptible to dementia.
A handful of nuts every day may help keep you sharp as you get older. People who ate a handful of nuts five or more times a week were half as likely to develop dementia in old age compared with those who never ate them.
While eating nuts cannot guarantee prevention of cognitive decline or protect against Alzheimer’s disease, it has been shown to reduce inflammation, which has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Boosts energy
Dried fruit provides an energy boost, and 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.
When you need that boost in energy, L’Orenta Gourmet Nuts and Goodies recommends our Berry Almond Mix. It includes nothing but berrylicious, energy-boosting ingredients in this trail mix. Roasted and salted almonds, diced pineapple, cranberries, walnuts and seedless raisins. Each of these ingredients can help your body recover from hard work.
Sam Henselijn Author’s Biography – Meet L’Orenta Nuts CEO
Copyright 2024 L’Orenta Nuts
L’Orenta Nuts proudly holds the SQF food safety certification, symbolizing our unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of food safety and quality. This certification guarantees that our products undergo rigorous scrutiny, ensuring transparency, traceability, and adherence to global food safety regulations for the utmost consumer confidence.
L’Orenta Nuts has the HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) certification is a systematic approach to identifying, evaluating, and controlling food safety hazards. It ensures that food products are produced and handled in a manner that minimizes risks and complies with safety standards.
Our GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certification ensures that a manufacturing facility adheres to comprehensive quality and safety standards while producing pharmaceuticals, food, and other consumer goods, promoting consistency, quality, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
L’Orenta is an FDA-approved manufacturing facility and has met the rigorous standards set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It demonstrates compliance with regulations, ensuring the production of safe and high-quality food products.
