Trail mix is a popular snack, especially among students, because it promotes concentration and provides energy. It is also a good alternative to chocolate and chips, because the fruit and nut mixture contains many healthy nutrients. The popular snack has been around since the 17th century and consisted only of almonds and raisins. Today, there is a wide variety of mixtures of nuts and dried fruit.
Why is it called trail mix?
The name “trail mix” has existed since the 17th century and describes a nut-fruit mixture, which is also known as nerve food and is very common among students.
Originally, the mixture consisted only of raisins and almonds. These two foods are ultimately also the reason why it is called trail mix, because almonds and raisins could only afford in the past groups of people of the upper class, because this good was very expensive. Academics belonged at that time to the upper class, since only children from rich parents could afford the university. There raisins and almonds were nibbled with pleasure as snack besides while studying.
Moreover, there was a misconception among students that almonds and raisins would alleviate a hangover. Today, trail mixes no longer consist only of raisins and almonds. There are now various mixtures of different types of nuts and dried fruit. And trail mixes, although still highly priced, are now affordable for ordinary people.
What’s in trail mix?
Meanwhile, there are the wildest mixtures of trail mixes, which are not limited to nuts and fruits. There are also mixtures that contain chocolate or coconut flakes. The classic trail mix consists of raisins, hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts and cashews. Mixtures containing cranberries, peanuts and Brazil nuts are also popular.
Untreated nuts in particular are extremely healthy because they contain important minerals and fiber. The unsaturated walnut kernels, for example, are said to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Hazelnuts protect our cells due to the vitamin E they contain. Particularly good for our immune system is selenium, which is contained in Brazil nuts. But dried fruit also has positive properties. Because raisins calm our nerves. This is due to the high content of calcium and B vitamins contained in the dried grapes. In addition, raisins also stop cravings.
Why is trail mix considered a nerve food?
The nuts in trail mix increase concentration. This is due to the omega‑3 fatty acids, vitamin B and magnesium contained in the nuts. The fructose in the dried fruits provides our body with energy and thus increases performance. So it is proven that this healthy snack increases thinking performance and provides energy to the body.
Is trail mix really healthy?
Trail mix is definitely a good alternative to chips and chocolate. This is ensured by the healthy nutrients, minerals, fiber and fatty acids. However, you should also remember that nuts contain a lot of calories. So you can nibble trail mix as a healthy snack without a guilty conscience, but only in moderation and not in masses.
Sources:
https://www.desired.de/diaet/gesunde-ernaehrung/studentenfutter/
https://www.stellenwerk.de/magazin/studentenleben/studentenfutter-warum-es-so-heisst-und-tatsaechlich-seinen-namen-verdient
https://www.t‑online.de/leben/essen-und-trinken/id_78270884/warum-heisst-studentenfutter-eigentlich-studentenfutter-.html
