Sunday, September 14, 2008
Why Do You Need Raw Nuts?
Raw nuts are often forgotten in the Standard American Diet, this tiny food has a wide variety of health benefits- especially heart health! For optimal nutrition they should be eaten regularly (5+ times per week) and un-roasted.
Why raw nuts?
Raw foods have not been heated, so their nutrients are at their highest levels. Often when they are shelled and packaged they are heated. Also many of us enjoy them roasted, but not if you are looking for optimal nutrition. To gain the most nutritional value buy a raw organic variety.Why are they healthy?
A study out of the Harvard School of Public Health reported that more than 83,000 participants (women) who ate nuts five times per week (or more) significantly lowered their risk for type 2 diabetes compared with those who never or rarely consumed them. Also, the women in this study who ate them at least five times a week reduced their risk by almost 30 percent. (Journal of the American Medical Association, 2002, vol. 288, no. 20).Add this to a growing body of other pro-nut research, including a 1992 study from Loma Linda University. A 50% reduction (approx) of both fatal and nonfatal heart attacks was found among those who consumed them five or more times per week, as compared with those who ate them less than once a week.
What nutrients do they have?
• Almonds: The most alkaline, high in fat, protein and vitamin E• Brazil: Low-fat, rich in fiber, high in protein
• Hazelnuts: Rich in selenium, aid in normalizing the metabolism
• Macadamia: Rich in niacin, help rejuvenate the liver and discourage the craving for alcohol
• Pecans: High in fat, Vitamin B6, assist in repairing damaged cells in diseased hearts
• Pine: One of the best known sources of protein in the nut family
• Pistachio: Are beneficial for healing constipation and help purify the blood and tone the liver and kidneys
• Walnuts: Rich in calcium, vitamin E and fiber. They are a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids. They are a natural laxative and used to strengthen the kidneys and lungs, to lubricate the large intestine and improve metabolism.
They are rich in...
• Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can reduce blood cholesterol, especially when substituted for foods rich in saturated fat, such as meat or cheese.
• Folic acid and other B vitamins, which may reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Vitamin E, known to be cardio protective. Almonds and hazelnuts have more vitamin E than other varieties.
• Copper, potassium, and magnesium- all three are linked to heart health.
This tiny food is loaded with nutrients, and health benefits, so they are worth incorporating into your diet. Try adding a handful of cashews into a smoothie instead of dairy. You’ll be surprised at how creamy they make the smoothie. They are great blended with dates and oats to make deliciously healthy pie crusts. There are many ways to sneak raw nuts into your diet without even realizing they are there. For more free recipes that use raw nuts register for our free raw recipe ezine!
Source: www.raw-food-for-families.com
