I have always loved nuts (after all I DID marry Keith) but have stayed away from them because I thought they were bad for me. Again, I was wrong.

Nuts are nature's perfect power snack!  They are high in protein, fiber, and antioxidants. Nuts have no cholesterol, and are low in saturated fat and high in unsaturated fats (healthy fats).  They are essential for a healthy diet.

Nuts can actually lower bad cholesterol levels while raising the good. They are also a fabulous appetite suppressant.  The protein in nuts helps you feel full longer, which results in you eating less.  Eat a handful before your meal and it will help you from overeating.

The Nurses Health Study concluded that eating nuts could lower your risk of heart disease by 35%. Nuts contain what are referred to as the "good" fats which are known to help protect the heart. Nuts that are high in monounsaturated fats are macadamias, cashews, almonds, pistachios & pecans. Nuts that are high in polyunsaturated fats are walnuts, hazelnuts, and brazil nuts. Nuts that are high in omega 3 are walnuts and pecans.

Nuts also contain an amino acid called Arginine, which has been found to reverse some complications of diabetes and heart disease (Prendergast,1998).

HEALTH BENEFITS OF YOUR FAVORITE NUTS

Almonds are loaded with vitamin E (an antioxidant that helps prevent heart disease and cancer) and magnesium (strengthens bones).

Brazil nuts are packed with selenium (an antioxidant) and phosphorus (strengthens bones and teeth & assists with energy metabolism.

Cashews are rich in selenium, magnesium, phosphorus and iron.

Hazelnuts contain large amounts of vitamin E.

Macadamias have the highest level of unsaturated fat (cholesterol lowering).

Peanuts (although they aren't even really nuts, they are beans) are a good source of vitamin B3 (healthy skin), vitamin E and zinc (renewing tissue), potassium (muscles) and vitamin B6 (immunity).

Pecans are packed with vitamin B1 (thiamine energy) and zinc.

Pistachios are full of phosphorus.

Walnuts are rich in Omega-3s (reducing fat and cholesterol).

As with anything, don't eat a ton of nuts as they are high in calories.  However, you can clearly see they are amazing for your diet so don't skip them thinking they are full of fat and bad for you.  We've been misled!