I’m about as nutty as a fruitcake. Although, the mere thought of fruitcake paints a tempting image in my head, I’m not even going to speak the unspeakable…psst… desserts. I certainly may come off a little like the Nutty Professor, but this post isn’t about my lack of sanity.
In fact, I’m going to get a little nutty with you. No, not nutty ha-ha, but nutty nutritious. For a long time nuts was something, I could take or leave and for the most part I’d leave it.
However, in recent years, I’ve come to regard nuts with a new respect. I began looking pass their high calorie count to see the hidden value of nature’s all-natural snack. Let’s take a close look at these nutty benefits.
Almonds (184 calories, 16.8g fat) are good for the brain, good for the bones, regulates cholesterol, good for the heart, good for the skin, regulates blood pressure, prevents cancers,protects against diabetes,good during pregnancy, weight loss, prevents constipation, and boosts energy.
Brazil nuts (205 calories, 20g fat) are rich in selenium, an important trace mineral for helping to lower the risk of heart disease and cancer, as well as reducing allergies and inflammation. It’s also a good source of magnesium which is beneficial for healthy nerves and muscles.
Cashews (183 calories, 15.3g fat) are rich in iron, but don’t forget to drink a glass of OJ. Vitamin C helps with better absorption of the iron for your body. Also, cashews are good for cancer prevention, heart health, hair & skin health, bone health, good for the nerves, prevent gallstones,and good for weight loss.
Chestnuts (51 calories, 0.8g fat) is the only nuts that has Vitamin C. 100g of chestnuts will give you 45% of your recommended daily allowance. Impressive!
Coconuts (100 calories, 10g fat) are not polyunsaturated fats, but are supplied with health-promoting saturated fats which are different from saturated fats found in animal products. The fats found in coconuts have shown to stimulate weight loss by increasing the burning of calories. This may have something to do with the way the body uses the fatty acids in the liver for energy. Lauric acid found in coconut makes up 50% of the fatty acid and the body can readily convert this property into a beneficial compound which can destroy a variety of disease – herpes, measles, staph, gastritis, yeast, and many others. The antiviral properties are so powerful that its being looked into a s possible treatment for AIDS patients.
Hazelnuts (195 calories, 19.2g fat) are good for healthy skin and hair with its rich source of vitamin E (helps form red blood cells, muscles, and other issues) and B vitamins(helps protein metabolism & absorption, boosts energy and promote healthy appetite). There’s a concentrated source of copper present in hazelnuts which help to disarm free radicals that otherwise would damage your cholesterol.
Macadamia nuts (224 calories, 23.3g fat) is a brain booster, promotes over-all good health, longevity, and reduces degenerative diseases.
Peanuts (175.5 calories, 14.9g fat) aren’t nuts at all. In fact, they are from the bean family. Who knew, right? Peanuts help to promote fertility, regulate blood sugar, aids in preventing gallstones, fight depression, enhances memory, lower cholesterol and risk of heart disease,protects against Alzheimer’s,cancer preventers, and lowers risk of weight gain.
Pecans (207 calories, 21g fats) are good for your heart, protect your prostate, suppresses breast cancer cell growth, and good for weight control.
Pine nuts (207 calories, 21g fat) stimulates hormones & diminish appetite, strong health heartbeat, lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, reduces signs of aging,prevents eye disease, alleviates muscle cramps, tension, and fatigue.
Pistachio (183 calories, 15.3g fat) helps to regulate body fluid, builds bones & teeth, and energy enhancer.
Walnuts (206 calories, 21g fat) are the only the nut containing omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fats. Walnuts’ rich antioxidants can stop the chemical reaction in the body that leads to cancer and heart disease. It does this by protecting healthy cells from free-radical damage, purging the body of possible cancer-causers, and stopping cancer cells from spreading. Walnuts also contain pain-relieving compounds.
*Above calories based on per/ounce serving.
Begin by replacing your sugary snacks with a handful or two of raw nuts. Nuts are an excellent sources of protein, minerals, and other health-enhancing nutrients. Plus, your hunger will be satisfied and you’ll a gain a boost of energy to hold you over until your next meal. You can tally your efforts as part of our “weight control” efforts or at least I do. Also, you’ll have the “feel good sensation” knowing you’re protecting yourself against – heart disease, high cholesterol, cancer, or any other number of health concerns.
Check out some notoriously creative folks for more iNtriging ‘N’ posts in Miss Jenny classroom.
1. What is your favorite nut to eat raw?
My favorite raw nuts have to be either pecans or walnuts. These naturally are sweet tasting and are common to find in stores. I like throwing these into my hot cereals. Yum!
2. What kind of nuts do you use most in recipes?
I use English walnuts when I make fudge and black walnuts when I make none other than my Black Walnut cake recipe, but I do like making chocolate chip cookies with pecan pieces sometimes, which is yummy good. Over all, I’d say I use more English walnuts than anything.
Bonus: List your favorite nutty recipes by name.
- Black Walnut Cake
- Italian Cream Cake (pecans)
- Maple Nut Fudge
- Chocolate Walnut Fudge
- Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies
- Pecan Sandies