Health

Go Nuts for Life! Reap the Benefits

go-nuts-for-life

Are they nuts? Most persons see the variety of nuts we have available to us as merely snacks. However, these treats, oftentimes in salted forms, constitute the food group of legumes and nut, providing us with high levels of protein, B vitamins, fibre and energy when consumed. Additionally, nuts contain essential fatty acids; if we are not careful, they can run up the tally for our daily calorie count as well. Due to the diversity of our trade market, an endless variety of nuts is accessible, especially in the packages that offer mixed nuts. Popular nuts include peanuts, cashews, almonds, pistachio, walnuts and pecans, just to name a few. So let’s look at the nutritional benefits of members of this food group.

Almonds are rich in calcium and vitamin E. You will find this nut as the main ingredient in popular milk substitutes on the market simply labelled ‘Almond Milk’. Vitamin E is good for your skin and persons who consistently have almonds in their diet can benefit from a healthy glow in the appearance of their skin. Consuming the entire almond nut, inclusive of the skin of the nut can provide some additional cardio-protective benefits from a substance they produce called flavonoids.

Peanuts are the most commonly found and debatably the most affordable of the nuts existing and consumed in the Caribbean. They contain essential fatty acids which, when consumed correctly, can be a filling snack and assist in the curbing of appetite and support the efforts of weight loss. Peanuts can be enjoyed cooked or raw and can be used as the main ingredient in many punches when mixed with milk, sweeteners and malty beverages. Technically, peanuts are considered legumes (peas and beans) rather than nuts, however this does not detract from their nutritional benefits.

Cashews have high concentrations of protein, zinc, iron and magnesium.
Magnesium is significant in helping memory recall and is thought to delay the onset of memory loss due to age. Cashews make delicious additives to many meals; simply add the whole nuts while cooking up a stir fry.

To continue reading, purchase Vol.8 #10, 2017 Issue.