With sales of crisps and fatty snacks on the decline, it seems people's concerns about healthy eating and the risk of obesity are affecting their snack-life.

But research suggests that, in the search for a healthy alternative, many people are switching to nuts and seeds.

High in vitamins and minerals and low in saturated fat, nuts are full of protein and calcium, making them a great choice for vegetarians, vegans and those who avoid dairy products.

Although some nuts can be quite high in fat, it is the healthy, unsaturated kind. As long as you avoid the processed, salty types, nuts can be an important addition to the diet. Of course, they can also be quite high in calories so it's best to eat only small amounts if you're trying to lose weight.

Different nuts have different concentrations of nutrients but one of the best all-rounders is the almond.

High in protein, calcium and iron, almonds are also a rich source of vitamin E which is essential for maintaining healthy cells. Almond oil is also regularly used in skincare products as vitamin E is an antioxidant, which can help protect skin cells from damage.

If you want a good source of vitamin A, then pecan nuts are a good choice as they have a very high concentration of vitamin A, which helps to keep our bones, eyes and teeth healthy.

However, like Brazil nuts, they also have a particularly high fat content so they are probably best avoided if you're trying to shed a few pounds.

Seeds are also a great source of nutrients and easy to eat when you're on the go. Pumpkin and sunflower seeds can be used in baking or cooked in stir fries but they are equally delicious eaten raw.

As with many nuts and seeds, they are good sources of zinc and selenium, both of which can help boost the immune system.

Sesame seeds are another good source of zinc and also of vitamin B3 which may help regulate cholesterol.

Nuts and seeds are packed with natural goodness and rich in vitamins, minerals, protein and fibre.

A diet that's rich in nuts and seeds can help protect against disease, keep your eyes healthy, help strengthen bones and keep your skin looking great. In fact, you'd be nuts not to eat them.