Walnuts: the king of nuts
Studies show that snacking on pistachios has a positive impact on improving cardiovascular health by significantly reducing inflammation in the body, a prominent cardiovascular disease risk factor.
Another study showed that almonds can rapidly lower cholesterol levels. Almonds contain the “good fats,” monounsaturated and some polyunsaturated, which helps lower bad cholesterol” (LDL), while not touching the “good cholesterol” levels (HDL).
Walnuts may be the top nut when it comes to health benefits. This tasty nut is an excellent source of omega-3 essential fatty acids, a special type of protective fat that must be ingested as the body cannot manufacture it. Omega 3 levels in walnuts is significantly higher as compared to other nuts A quarter-cup of walnuts provides 90.8% of the daily value for these essential fats.
Politics & Nuts: In 2003, the FDA issued a letter in response to a petition from the International Tree Nut Council. This petition to the FDA requested the authorization of health claims for seven kinds of nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, some pine nuts, pistachios and walnuts). The FDA concluded that “there is a sufficient basis for a qualified health claim about nuts and reduced risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).”
The FDA allowed the following qualified health claim and disclosure statement, on the label of packaged nuts:
“Scientific evidence suggests but does not prove that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.”
But Don’t Go Too Nutty: Nuts in general are high in calories, so moderation is the key. In many of the studies reviewed, consumption of over 1.5 ounces per day resulted in weight gain.
This recipe for Cocoa Spiced Almond Clusters from FigureFoodie.com pairs almonds with the antioxidant properties of cocoa solids.
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