"Nuts to you! may be a greeting of good health
Many people refrain from eating nuts because they are considered to be high in fat. Like fish, it may just be the kind of fat that is good for you. Starting in the mid-70s, a team of epidemiologists at Loma Linda University’s School of Public Health in Loma Linda, California followed the eating habits of more than 25,000 Seventh Day Adventists. At the end of 10 years, the researchers found that there was only one common food linked to good health—nuts.
Joan Sabaté, MD, Ph.D., professor and chair of the School’s department of nutrition said, "The results couldn’t have been more striking. People who ate nuts often—five or more times a week—were half as likely to have a heart attack or die of heart disease as people who rarely or never ate them. Eating nuts just one to four times a week cuts the heart risk by 25%." The doctor said it did not matter if people were slim or fat, young or old, active or sedentary. In addition, the blood cholesterol levels dropped 22 points in just a few weeks.
All nuts contain flavonoids, which are potent antioxidants that help protect the body against cancer and heart disease. Most nuts also have calcium, but almonds have more than any other nut. Brazil nuts and filberts also have substantial amounts of calcium. Almonds and pecans are particularly rich in magnesium while cashews and pecans are rich in zinc. Nuts are also a good source of the fatigue–and stress fighting minerals: iron, magnesium and zinc.
Our ancestors believed that walnuts helped the head and the brain. They may have been right. Copper, an essential mineral for maintenance of the nervous system and brain activity, is found in many types of nuts. Maybe former President Reagan would have been better off with a jar of nuts than jelly beans. President Reagan died of Alzheimer’s Disease but he did live a long and productive life—dying in his 90s.
One ounce of nuts gives you as much fiber as two slices of whole wheat bread. Almonds have the highest dietary fiber content of any nut.
Nut protein is loaded with the amino acid arginine, known to protect the arteries from injury and to stop blood clots from forming. Nuts contain phytochemicals (plant sterols or phytosterols), which help lower cholesterol and are thought to protect against colon cancer. Saponin (which helps lower cholesterol and also shows evidence of having anticancer properties) and phytic acid or phytate (which has been found to be protective against colon cancer) are also contained in nuts.
You may know that filberts are also called hazelnuts, but do you know another name for them? Cobnuts - in case you’re ever on a TV game show. The oldest food tree known to human kind is the walnut tree. It dates back to 7,000 BC.
For optimum health, don’t just add nuts to your diet. Let nuts take the place of saturated, unhealthy fat. Cut back on meat, cheese and deep–fried foods. Keep working your way toward a predominantly plant–based diet.
If you’re looking for more information on walnuts including healthy recipes and facts try going to the website: www.walnut.org .
Dr. Joan Sabaté recommends 1 to 2 ounces of either almonds, cashews, peanuts or cashews five times a week as a heart-healthy amount to eat.
Joan Sabaté, MD, Ph.D., professor and chair of the School’s department of nutrition said, "The results couldn’t have been more striking. People who ate nuts often—five or more times a week—were half as likely to have a heart attack or die of heart disease as people who rarely or never ate them. Eating nuts just one to four times a week cuts the heart risk by 25%." The doctor said it did not matter if people were slim or fat, young or old, active or sedentary. In addition, the blood cholesterol levels dropped 22 points in just a few weeks.
All nuts contain flavonoids, which are potent antioxidants that help protect the body against cancer and heart disease. Most nuts also have calcium, but almonds have more than any other nut. Brazil nuts and filberts also have substantial amounts of calcium. Almonds and pecans are particularly rich in magnesium while cashews and pecans are rich in zinc. Nuts are also a good source of the fatigue–and stress fighting minerals: iron, magnesium and zinc.
Our ancestors believed that walnuts helped the head and the brain. They may have been right. Copper, an essential mineral for maintenance of the nervous system and brain activity, is found in many types of nuts. Maybe former President Reagan would have been better off with a jar of nuts than jelly beans. President Reagan died of Alzheimer’s Disease but he did live a long and productive life—dying in his 90s.
One ounce of nuts gives you as much fiber as two slices of whole wheat bread. Almonds have the highest dietary fiber content of any nut.
Nut protein is loaded with the amino acid arginine, known to protect the arteries from injury and to stop blood clots from forming. Nuts contain phytochemicals (plant sterols or phytosterols), which help lower cholesterol and are thought to protect against colon cancer. Saponin (which helps lower cholesterol and also shows evidence of having anticancer properties) and phytic acid or phytate (which has been found to be protective against colon cancer) are also contained in nuts.
You may know that filberts are also called hazelnuts, but do you know another name for them? Cobnuts - in case you’re ever on a TV game show. The oldest food tree known to human kind is the walnut tree. It dates back to 7,000 BC.
For optimum health, don’t just add nuts to your diet. Let nuts take the place of saturated, unhealthy fat. Cut back on meat, cheese and deep–fried foods. Keep working your way toward a predominantly plant–based diet.
If you’re looking for more information on walnuts including healthy recipes and facts try going to the website: www.walnut.org .
Dr. Joan Sabaté recommends 1 to 2 ounces of either almonds, cashews, peanuts or cashews five times a week as a heart-healthy amount to eat.
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