Nuts
Almonds
Almonds are probably the best all-around nut. Their fat content is less that most, about 60 percent and the protein concentration is nearly 20 percent. The almonds nuts are the fruits of a small tree that grows nearly thirty feet tall and is abundant in many areas of the world, including Asia, the Mediterranean, and North America. Almonds, which are of the soft-shell variety, possess a sweeter nut than those in hard shells, which may be slightly bitter. The presence of 2-4 percent amygdalin, commonly known as laetrile, has caused almonds to be considered a cancer-preventing nut.
Most of the fats of the almond are poly-unsaturated and are high in linoleic acid, our main essential oil. Almond oil is very stable oil used in pharmaceutical preparations, to hold scents in fragrant oils, or for massage therapy. Almonds are very high in vitamin E, and contain some B vitamins. Calcium is also found in high amounts, and almonds or homemade almond milk can be used as a tasty calcium source. Copper, iron, zinc, potassium, and phosphorus are also present in good amounts, as are magnesium and manganese. Sodium is very low.
Almonds are especially rich in thiamine, riboflavin and niacin as well as calcium, iron and phosphorus. They also contain potassium, magnesium and phosphates, the latter being especially valuable for nourishing the nerve cells. Almonds are “recognized as muscle and body builders.” The high fat, carbohydrate and protein content make it an ideal food for strengthening the body when there is no need to worry about the increase in the supply of fat. The content of calcium makes it valuable for the teeth and bones.
Almonds (Prunus dulcis) help maintain healthy blood-fat levels, strengthen the cardiovascular system, and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. They also enhance antibody production, strengthen cell membranes, and help protect against cancer. Almonds are considered to be an antioxidant, lowers cholesterol, nutrient-rich. Beware bitter-tasting almonds—they can be toxic.
Brazil Nuts
These are the very meaty and high-fat hard-shelled “seeds” of which about 10-20 are found in each big fruit of the very large (nearly 100 feet high) Brazil nut trees. Brazil nuts are a good-quality protein, yet are also about two-thirds fat, of which over 20 percent is saturated. The oil from this nut turns rancid easily and is not used commercially.
Brazil nuts are known to be rich in calcium, as well as magnesium, manganese, copper, phosphorus, potassium and selenium. Zinc and iron are also found in good proportions in this high-mineral nut. This delicious South American kernel is one of the richest natural sources of selenium and Vitamin E – two powerful antioxidants with anti-ageing properties that can help guard against many disorders including heart disease and cancer.
Also called the papa nut, cream nut and castanea. This is the edible seed of a giant tree (Bertholletia excelsa) that grows in the Amazon rainforest. The Brazil nut is extremely nutritious with high levels of protein, unsaturated fat, selenium, zinc, and other minerals, plus substantial quantities of vitamins E and B-complex. It is the combination of vitamin E with selenium that gives the Brazil nut its special immune-enhancing properties. The selenium in the Brazil nut can help to reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, and fungal infections such as candidiasis.
Cashews
Cashews are thought by some to be a toxic nut, probably because of the caustic oils found in the hard shell. Lightly roasting cashews may help to clear these oils. These sweet nuts are the real fruit of 25 to 30 foot trees that grow in tropical climates. These trees also provide another “fruit”, the edible “cashew apple” that grows prior to the nut. Cashews are fairly rich in magnesium, potassium, iron, and zinc. Calcium is lower in cashews than in other nuts, as is manganese; cashews also have a lower fat and higher carbohydrate level than most other nuts. Some B vitamins are present, as is vitamin A, though very little vitamin E is found in cashews.
The cashew nut and cashew nut butter are good body builders. It is easily digested when eaten raw. Cashews have been reported to be helpful in cases of emaciation, problems with teeth and gums, and when there is a lack of vitality.
Considered to be an antioxidant, lowers cholesterol. Cashews (Anacardium occidentale) help to maintain healthy blood-fat levels, aid hemoglobin production and fat metabolism, enhance the body\'s ability to cope with stress, and help keep skin, hair, glands, nerves, mucous membranes, blood cells, and bone marrow in good condition.
Coconut
The big nuts (fruits) of the common tropical palm tree, this large fruit have a thick husk covering, a very hard shell that surrounds the rich coconut meat. A nourishing liquid, called the coconut “milk” comes from the soft meat of the fresh green coconut. When the coconut dries or ripens, the “meat” becomes hard and much of the oils become saturated. The dried coconut meat contains about 65 percent oil, mainly as saturated fat, which is solid or semisolid at room temperature. This oil, though, also has some nourishment and essential fatty acids and has been used in cooking and baking as well as in soaps, shampoos, and cosmetics.
Coconut is used in cooking much more in the South Pacific and East Indian cultures than in ours, probably because they have fewer foods with good fat content. …Coconut has a little protein, about 10 percent; some carbohydrate and fiber; and traces of the B vitamins, vitamin C and vitamin E. It has some amounts of many minerals, with potassium, magnesium, manganese, copper, and iron being the best.
Oregon Hazelnuts (Filberts)
These are the fruits or seeds of a small shrub or tree that usually grows between six and twelve feet tall. They are also called filberts because they ripen about the time of St Philibert\'s Day, August 20. The numerous varieties produce either round or elongated nuts. They are usually eaten raw or fried and are often used in confection making or as flavorings in sweet sauces.
Hazelnuts have one of the higher vitamin E levels of the nuts. Their protein content is about 15 percent, and they are nearly 65 percent fat, mostly unsaturated, being high in essential linoleic acid. Hazelnuts have a fairly good level of the B vitamins and are rich in most minerals such as calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, copper, and potassium, as well as some trace minerals, including zinc and selenium.
Filberts are a rich food for those with good digestion. Whereas most nuts have an alkaline reaction on the system, filberts, along with peanuts and walnuts, are acid-forming and should be eaten in moderation. They are very good for the teeth and gums, and aid in normalizing the metabolism and building a strong body.
Antioxidant, lowers cholesterol Hazelnuts (Corylus aveilana) help regulate blood fats and aid cell renewal and repair. They help protect cells against free-radical damage and benefit skin, hair, nails, glands, nerves, bone marrow and mucous membranes.
Pecans
Pecans are nuts for a special treat, such as for holidays or in the traditional pecan pie, usually sweetened with maple syrup. Pecans (and macadamias), however, contain the lowest protein (about 10 percent) and highest fat (over 70 percent) of all the nuts. They grow on large trees often taller than 100 feet; the nuts are about four to a pecan fruit, each nut protected by a hard, wood-like shell. In fact, pecan shells can be ground and used as wood sculpture material.
Pecans contain some vitamins A, E, and C, niacin, and other B vitamins. They are low in sodium and high in most other minerals, including zinc, iron, potassium, selenium, and magnesium. Copper, calcium, and manganese are present in fairly good amount as well.
Pecans are considered to be an antioxidant & lower cholesterol. Pecan nuts (Carya illinoensis) are high in monounsaturated fat and health-protective vitamins and minerals, helping to prevent cancer and heart disease. Eating pecans regularly also lowers blood cholesterol and improves blood lipid balance, emphasizing the importance to health of the type of fat contained in the diet.
Pinenuts
Pinenuts contain Vitamins E, B1, B2, and B3: magnesium, manganese, potassium; copper, iron, zinc; fiber, protein, unsaturated fat
Pine (Pinus spp.) nuts protect against heart disease and some cancers. They aid liver function and metabolism, boost energy and benefit the blood, muscles, nerves, mucous membranes, and skin.
Pistachios
Pistachios are those sweet and flavorful nuts of which it is ‘hard to eat just one.” The pistachio nut or fruit grows on a small tree usually about 10-05 feet high and is very popular in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries. It is most commonly eaten in the shell but is also used in cooking, in making sauces, as flavoring in baking cakes, and in ice creams.It is best to avoid the less healthy salted and red-dyed pistachio nut and go with the natural variety.
Pistachios are about 20 percent protein and 50-55 percent fat and have good levels of thiamine, niacin, folic acid, and a little vitamin A. The potassium and iron levels are both very high; sodium is very low; phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium are all present in pretty fair amounts; while zinc, copper, and manganese are at modest levels.
Pistachios are considered to be an antioxidant & lower cholesterol. Pistachio (Pistacia vera) nuts protect against heart disease and some cancers, aid liver function and metabolism, boost energy, and improve the health and function of blood cells, muscles, nerves, mucous membranes and skin.
Walnuts
Another of the great nuts, walnuts are a real brain food (they even look like little brains). The fatty acids and the 15-20 percent protein level nourish the nervous system, and the walnut when shelled looks remarkably like the human cerebral cortex. The walnut is about 65 percent fat. It can be eaten raw or used in baking, and the pressed walnut oil can be used in cooking or even for oiling wood. It should be used fresh, though, as it is not very resistant to spoilage.
Walnuts have a modest mix of vitamin A, the Bs (including biotin), C, and E. Their mix of mineral is similar to that of most of the other nuts, with many at good levels. Probably iron and potassium are the best in this very balanced nut, which grows on large trees as high as 40-5- feet in many parts of the world, including the United States . The Chinese believe walnuts resemble the shape of the brain and are therefore good for nourishing it. Walnuts are also associated with longevity of life.
Walnuts are considered to be an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lower cholesterol. Walnuts (Juglans sp.) reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer, benefit blood cells, muscles, and nervous system, aid brain function, boost energy and strength, and help us cope with stress. |
