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THE NEW NUT CASE

Nuts have had a bad reputation for being high in fat and calories, causing the weight-conscious to put nuts on their lists of forbidden foods.
Researchers took a closer look at walnuts, almonds, and other nuts, they're discovering these delicious, crunchy foods are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. And that fat we were so wary of? Turns out it's good for our hearts.

Not just any nut will do, however. Stay away of prepackaged nut mixes, often coated in oils and salt. Instead, buy the following types of nuts raw and toast them in the oven or on the stove top to bring out their full, rich flavor.

WALNUTS
Very rich in the plant-based omega-3 fatty acid ALA. This type of fatty acid isn't as effective as the kind found in fish, but a recent study indicates that ALA decreases inflammation that can damage arteries and may help reduce the breakdown of bone. Studies have also shown that walnuts can increase levels of HDL (known as good cholesterol) while lowering LDL

ALMONDS
The fiber in almonds blocks some of the nut fat from being digested and absorbed! One serving of almonds provides 35 percent of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that may help protect against diseases such as Alzheimer's

PEANUTS
Peanuts are technically not nuts — they're legumes and belong to the same family as beans and peas. They have a low glycemic index, which means they're digested slowly and help maintain a balanced blood-sugar level. Peanuts also contain resveratrol, the same phytochemical found in red wine.

PISTACHIOS
High in lutein, an antioxidant typically found in dark leafy vegetables that's been shown to protect our eyes from macular degeneration.

PECANS
A 2004 study found that pecans are one of the top 15 sources of antioxidants. In another study, pecan antioxidants were shown to prevent LDL from building up in arteries and lowered total cholesterol levels. Compared with other nuts, pecans have one of the highest levels of phytosterols, a group of plant chemicals that may help protect against cardiovascular disease.

HAZELNUTS
They have the highest nut level of folate, a B vitamin known to reduce the risk of birth defects. Along with other B vitamins, may also lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, and depression. Hazelnuts contain moderate levels of potassium, calcium, and magnesium, all of which can help lower blood pressure.

**********************************Just a Few**********************

Eat nuts with saturated fat sparingly

Brazil; Highest amount of selenium of any food; this mineral helps eliminate free radicals that can lead to cancer
Macadamia; High in thiamine, a type of B vitamin that helps metabolize carbohydrates into energy
Cashews: Rich in copper and magnesium, as well as zinc, for a healthy immune system.

By CatGirl on Jun 28, 2008, 22:41 in Travelicious Talkzone.

CatGirl says on Jun 28, 2008, 22:41:

Puuurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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Portena says on Jun 29, 2008, 00:12:

"I kidnapped myself....tell me the truth or you will never see or hear from me again."

Funny!

And, this is a good, informative post for the health conscious types.

I feel better! I can smile at it now, I feel better. Ohhhh, better! Gnarls Barkley

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