They
say that “money doesn’t grow on trees” but fortunately for us,
some of the healthiest foods do! A long-term study published in the
New England Journal Of Medicine investigated the mortality rates of
over 100,000 adults, spanning a period of 30 years, to see if there
is a connection between regular eating of nuts and an increased
immunity to fatal illness.
We’ve
done some more research into nut benefits and these findings add a
loud voice in favor of a diet rich in nuts! Here’s our full report
on the benefits of nuts.
There
is good evidence that the best preventative effects of nuts are
related to heart disease and cardiovascular disease but other chronic
diseases like cancer were reduced too, diabetes and stroke were
affected less. Incidentally, it is also clear that for those with a
high risk of cardiovascular disease, eating more plant-based foods in
general can increase life expectancy.
Our
ancient ancestors would have eaten nuts regularly and prized them
highly because they are a concentrated source of food that can be
stored for a long time. They didn’t know the science – but now we
know that nuts provide slow-release energy, omega-3 fatty acids,
protein, dietary fiber, antioxidants and vitamins.
Nuts
are rich in vitamins and minerals: For example Vitamin E, essential
for good physical health – it helps to build red blood cells, as
well as being a good antioxidant. Vitamins B1 and B2 are plentiful (a
great source for vegetarians) and nuts are high in many minerals too!
It is well documented that nuts have a higher magnesium nutrient
density than most other foods. Magnesium is essential to living cells
and this high magnesium content is thought to be the single most
significant health benefit of nuts.
Other
foods high in magnesium include sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds,
mackerel, beans, lentils, chickpeas, spinach, chard and kale.
Nuts
contain fats but these are more unsaturated than saturated, regarded
as “good fats” which may help to lower cholesterol.
The
majority of nuts are best eaten raw, like many other foods, to
preserve their nutritional value. One exception is chestnuts, which
contain high levels of tannic acid, These days, people apply tannic
acid directly to the affected area to treat cold sores and fever
blisters, diaper rash and prickly heat, poison ivy, ingrown toenails,
sore throat, sore tonsils, spongy or receding gums, and skin rashes;
and to stop bleeding.
Tannic acid is also taken by mouth and
applied directly for bleeding, chronic diarrhea, dysentery, bloody
urine, painful joints, persistent coughs, and cancer. Tannic acid
contains ingredients that have a protective effect on the skin.
Roasting or boiling before eating reduces the tannic acid but they
still retain a high level of vitamin C!
Unfortunately
there are some people who suffer from nut allergies and for whom nuts
are potentially life-threatening! A restricted diet could mean
missing out on important nutrition so it is helpful to consume a wide
variety of other foods. Here is some good news! – did you know that
around 10% of children with a tree nut allergy are likely to grow out
of it and if you take a liquid mineral that has 70+ minerals in it
you might reduce your allergies or get rid of them altogether?
There
is a lot of talk lately about the benefits of foods with high levels
of beneficial phytochemicals, especially in the battle against cancer
and other chronic illness, but don’t forget that these are
optimally obtained by eating real, natural food as opposed to
supplements. Nuts can provide some of these and fresh fruit and
vegetables contribute the most.