Sources: Harvard Men's Health Watch, Dr.Weil.com, Planters.com (nutnutrition.com)
It has long been said that our ancestors were the 'hunter gatherer' types and regularly ate such foods as fresh berries and nuts. Now while they may not be famous for having a soaring life span-on average, we can at least say that levels of heart disease and heart disease-related deaths were low compared to today. Poor living standards, poor hygene and lack in availability of medicines may have hindered our ancestors....but today we are hindered by our own indulgence in processed foods rich in saturated and even (i shudder) trans fats.....
Maybe we should get back to basics and start gathering some facts about one of natures healthiest foods: nuts.
Nuts are great. A few tips: Always go organic and raw when you can. Store them in the fridge immediately after purchase. Be weary of any possibly rancid nuts that smell like 'paint'. Do not over-do the salted nuts if you are watching your sodium intake. Read labels and make sure there is no added saturated fat to your nuts--typical for many roasted and salted varieties.
So why eat nuts? Lets go nut by nut...
Cashews
The mellow, almost creamy flavor of a cashew is divine. A 1 ounce serving of cashews contains 30%copper RDA, 20% magnesium, and 10% iron-just to name a few. 160 calories, 4 grams of protein and 3 grams saturated fat. 10 grams of GOOD fats.
Almonds
Possibly the most diet-friendly of nuts-simply because of their very low saturated fat content (only 1 gram per ounce), high fiber content (3 grams per ounce) and nutritional benefits. Almonds have 35% your RDA of vitamin E and Manganese. As well as 15% riboflavin, copper and phosphorus. And 6 grams of protein.
Brazil Nuts
Eat more brazil nuts--at least one a day! One brazil nut has 100% your RDA of selenium. One ounce has 780% your RDA of selenium! What's so great about selenium? Well, Dr.Weil notes that "Selenium has antioxidant properties that help the body prevent cellular damage from free radicals, and one of its most valuable roles is as a cofactor of an important antioxidant enzyme in the body called glutathione peroxidase. Selenium also helps support a strong immune system, regulates thyroid function, and may help reduce the risk of prostate and secondary cancers. It also plays a role in the prevention of cataracts and heart disease."
Walnuts
Fun to eat if you crack your own--and good for you too! Walnuts (1 ounce) contain 50% manganese, 8% folate, and 25% copper. One very significant fact about walnuts is that they contain OMEGA-3 fatty acids--similar to those in salmon and other fish oils. So if you are vegetarian--eat more walnuts.
Pistachios
You may think of pistachios as that crunchy green crumble found on the top of middle eastern desserts, or swirled inside of pistachio ice cream...but pistachios are just as healthy as their nut friends. One ounce contains 20%RDA copper, manganese and vitamin B6. And 6 grams of protein. Plus, they are easily de-shelled without a nutcracker, and are just as high in fiber as almonds-3 grams per ounce.
Macadamias
If you've been to Hawaii, you have probably tried a macadamia nut...however it may have been covered in rich creamy chocolate or oily sweet coconut shreddings. Try them raw, organic and unsalted to taste the real thing. These creamy round nuts are delicious and macadamia oil has long been touted as a superfood in oils. One ounce of nuts contains 45% manganese and 15% thiamine. Several studies have touted macadamia oil-found in raw nuts to help lower cholesterol--despite the high fat content of these nuts.
Peanuts
OK, I have to put in the USA's favorite nut...the peanut. It may not be the most exotic of nuts, but grown right here in our own backyard of America, it needs a bit of recognition. One ounce of peanuts contains 30% manganese, 7 grams of protein and 12% your RDA of fiber. Peanuts may be 'cheap' but they are quite the nutritional powerhouses. No wonder peanut butter has long been called a dieters friend when it comes to stalling hunger and gaining nutrition.
*Also, nuts have been found to lower heart disease in both men and women---according to Harvard Medical:
"Researchers from Harvard Medical School and the Harvard School of Public Health have examined the effect of eating nuts on cardiovascular health, reports the Harvard Men's Health Watch. "Their work shows that nuts really are healthy, especially for men at risk for heart disease," says Dr. Harvey B. Simon, editor.
Studies show that healthy men, and those who have already suffered a heart attack, can reduce cardiovascular risk by eating nuts regularly, reports the Harvard Men's Health Watch. Doctors theorize that:
-nuts may help lower cholesterol, partly by replacing less healthy foods in the diet
-nuts contain mono- and polyunsaturated fats known to benefit the heart
-the omega-3 fats found in walnuts may protect against irregular heart rhythms
-nuts are rich in arginine, a substance that may improve blood vessel function
other nutrients in nuts (such as fiber and vitamin E) may also help lower cardiovascular risk.
So, don't worry about the high calorie content of nuts...and simply replace your regular "chip munching" with "nut-nibbling" Your heart and body will THANK YOU!
www.nutnutrition.com
www.drweil.com
www.health.harvard.edu
