Going Nuts For Nuts
March 9, 2010 by Mohamed
Filed under Weight Loss
Nuts – they are delicious, naturally low in sodium (provided you don’t buy the salted ones). I keep a bowl of almonds close by – they are a great snack and much better than reaching for chocolate, chips or other high-fat, and calorie snack.
If you’re one of those snackers that love the crunch of chips – then nuts are for you, you still get the crunch but with all the added health benefits!
“Nuts are rich in good fats like omega-6 fatty acids (walnuts are also rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids) and monounsaturated fatty acids, both of which have been found to improve cardiovascular health by lowering LDL or bad cholesterol.” – source http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/02/17/moh.healthmag.recipe.nuts/index.html
Three of my favorite nuts are walnuts, almonds and cashews.
Health Benefits of Walnuts
From an article found at http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=356561
Walnuts 101
The walnuts you find at the store are the English variety; their shells are easier to crack than black walnuts. Here are some other nutty facts.
- Walnuts trees date to 7000 BC, making them the oldest tree food known to man.
- In the late 1700s Franciscan monks planted walnut trees in California; today the state produces more than half the world’s walnut crop.
- Choose shelled walnuts that are not cracked, pierced or stained. Don’t shell them until ready to use.
- Unshelled walnuts, tightly sealed, will remain fresh for six months if refrigerated; up to a year if frozen.
- A one-third-cup serving contains 210 calories, 20 grams of good-for-you fats and 5 grams of protein. Walnuts are a wonderful source of vitamin E and rich in fiber.
“According to various studies, a handful of walnuts a day can reduce bad cholesterol levels while raising good cholesterol, decrease blood pressure and reduce inflammation.”
Health Benefits of Almonds
http://stanford.wellsphere.com/wellpage/almonds-health-benefits
Health Benefits of Cashews
I found a great article over at http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/benefits-of-cashews-6103.html talking about the health benefits of cashew nuts. Here is an excerpt, but head on over to read the full article…
“Cashews belong to the flowering plant family Anacardiaceae and the order Sapindales. The popular cashew nuts are actually the kidney shaped seeds that are found attached to the bottom of the fruit of the tree called the cashew apple. The nut is renowned for its delicate flavor and is a popular special garnish for a number of salads and fry dishes.”
Just a few of their health benefits:
- Contrary to the popular belief that regular consumption of cashew nuts can lead to weight gain, recent studies have indicated that such theories and misconceptions are groundless. In fact, people who consume cashews twice a week are less likely to gain weight as compared to the ones that never eat them.
- As cashews are a very good source of vitamin K, they help to prevent blood coagulation and the conditions associated with it.
- Cashews are also regarded as powerful diuretics.
Here is to your health!
Mohamed
