Go Nuts
By Jon Lipshaw
Nuts have many health benefits that some people may not be aware of. According to mayoclinic.org, “People who eat nuts as part of a heart-healthy diet can lower the low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad”) cholesterol level in their blood. High LDL is one of the primary causes of heart disease.”
Nuts contain unsaturated fats such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats which both lower bad cholesterol levels. Nuts also contain Omega-3s which are a healthy form of fatty acids that seem to help the human heart by preventing dangerous heart rhythms that can lead to heart attacks. If that’s not enough, nuts also have fiber, Vitamin E, Plant sterols and L-arginine (an amino acid) which are all healthy for humans.
According to medicalnewstoday.com, “Almonds are packed with vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber, and are associated with a number of health benefits. Just a handful of almonds, approximately one ounce, contains one-eighth of our necessary daily protein.” Almonds are also the nut with the richest vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant.”
Peanuts are healthy as well, according to whfoods.com, “Studies of diets with a special emphasis on peanuts have shown that this little legume is a big ally for a healthy heart. In one such randomized, double-blind, cross-over study involving 22 subjects, a high monounsaturated diet that emphasized peanuts and peanut butter decreased cardiovascular disease risk by an estimated 21% compared to the average American diet.”
Walnuts containing the most antioxidants compared to any other nut and are also the richest in omega-3 fatty acids, which fight inflammation. According to “Thehealthsite.com, “contrary to what people believe, walnuts are actually good for weight management since an ounce of walnut contains 2.5g of omega 3 fats, 4g of protein and 2g of fibre that help provide satiety (the feeling of being full).” Walnuts also contain melatonin so they’re great before you go to bed.
There’s plenty of more nuts that are very healthy that I didn’t mention in this article. So next time you’re looking to grab a snack go nuts.
http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/features/low-cholesterol-diet-plant-sterols-stanols
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/269468.php
http://www.thehealthsite.com/fitness/go-walnuts-13-health-benefits-of-this-awesome-nut/
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=101
http://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-and-nutrition/0406/why-you-should-go-nuts-for-nuts.aspx#03
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/health-benefits-nuts
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/nuts/art-20046635
***
You can contact Jon Lipshaw at: [email protected] or 561.602.5853
Or visit Jon’s Blog: JonLipshaw.com.