Nuts are Healthy

A recent study by Dr Penny Kris-Etherton from Penn State University found that eating more than five ounces of nuts a week can decrease the risk of coronary heart disease by 25-39%. Peanuts accounted for about 50% of these "nuts".

Peanuts are known to be high in chromium which regulates blood sugar levels - but then didn't a recent study show that almonds countered the effect of carbohydrate consumption too?

Some nuts like brazil nuts are a source of selenium. Selenium is used by the body to produce the super antioxidant glutathione peroxidase which works with vitamins A, C and E to scavenge free radicals. Selenium is supposed to protect against certain cancers and to increase telomerase activity. Telomerase can mend the frayed ends of the body's DNA (which shortens to nil after 50 replications), theoretically increasing lifespan. Selenium also regulates the balance of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4.

Almonds are also one of the best sources of vitamin E. Vitamin E is a very powerful antioxidant which improves circulation and even heals skin damage by the sun.

Walnuts are an excellent source of omega 3 EFA. It is important to have a good ratio of omega 3 to omega 6, which is not the case in the typical western diet. Omega 3 has been shown to greatly reduce the risk of heart disease while acting as an anti-infammatory. It can combat allergies like eczema, and elevates mood and may combat ADD.

Nuts are also a good source of folic acid, which most of us are deficient in. Low concentrations of folic acid, vitamin B6 or B12 may increase the levels of homocysteine in the blood. This itself is an indicator of heart disease risk.

Finally nuts are high not only in magnesium, but also in calcium. Did you know that there is an inverse relationship between water hardness (magnesium and calcium concentration) and heart disease?

Conclusion

After reading this you must be nuts not to eat at least half a packet of nuts a week.