Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Why Nuts?? Why Not Nuts?!
Nuts Contain: - Excellent fats that boost mental clarity, love your liver, and help your heart.
- Protein and fiber
- Selenium. This mineral activates an antioxidant called glutathione peroxidase (really, really good at helping fight free radical oxidation in the body). Some, studies suggest selenium might even help fight cancer.
- Antioxidant E and vitamin A. Since these are fat-soluble vitamins (meaning they only work with fat), nuts are nature’s perfectly engineered delivery systems.
The best nuts:
- Hazelnuts, filberts, Brazil nuts, walnuts, almonds
Less-nutritious (but sort of decent) nuts:
- Peanuts (not actually a nut), pine nuts, cashews
About an ounce a day is a reasonable portion size - think one small handful.
Labels: almonds, Anti-oxidant, brazil nuts, cashews, healthy diet, healthy fats, healthy food, Nuts, peanuts, selenium, Vitamins
Thursday, March 06, 2008
All About Cashews.....
originally uploaded by historyanorak.
Not only do cashews have a lower fat content than most other nuts, approximately 75% of their fat is unsaturated fatty acids, plus about 75% of this unsaturated fatty acid content is oleic acid, the same heart-healthy monounsaturated fat found in olive oil.
Studies show that oleic acid promotes good cardiovascular health, even in individuals with diabetes. Studies of diabetic patients show that monounsaturated fat, when added to a low-fat diet, can help to reduce high triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are a form in which fats are carried in the blood, and high triglyceride levels are associated with an increased risk for heart disease, so ensuring you have some monounsaturated fats in your diet by enjoying cashews is a good idea, especially for persons with diabetes.
Bottom line: Cashews are a very good source of monounsaturated fats and copper, and a good source of magnesium and phosphorous.
Source
Labels: cashews, fats, healthy diet, monounsaturated fat, nutrition, Nuts, unsaturated fat
