In general, nuts have anti-cancer and heart-protective properties. Almonds and walnuts particularly help balance cholesterol levels. Both contain high concentrations of antioxidant oleic acid and mono-unsaturated fat, similar to that in olive oil, known to protect arteries from damage. Almonds, however, seem to be the more valuable of the two. A total of six studies showed the resounding results of almonds’ ability to lower total and LDL cholesterol, and reduce the risk of heart disease by 10%. All it takes is eating one small handful of almonds (1 ounce) a day. A good way to eat almonds is to soak them overnight so they can be digested more easily. Nuts are generally high in antioxidant vitamin E, shown to protect against chest pain and artery damage. Brazil nuts are extremely rich in selenium, an antioxidant also linked to lower rates of heart disease and cancer. Walnuts contain ellagic acid, an antioxidant and cancer-fighter. Nuts are also good regulators of insulin and blood sugar, preventing steep rises. This makes them appropriate foods for those with glucose intolerance and diabetes. It is interesting to note that nuts have been found to be lacking in the diets of those who later develop Parkinsons disease. Beware of allergies and rancid nuts. Nuts, particularly peanuts, are a prime cause of acute allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Avoid nuts that are broken, chopped or in pieces, for they become rancid easily. Nut butters are also notorious for causing adverse reactions in the digestive system. When ground and thereby exposed to oxygen, they oxidize, i.e., become rancid. Rancid fats are very toxic and a major cause of illness. They may even lead to Crohn’s disease. Eat only fresh nuts. Avoid eating nuts that come mixed up with dried fruits (trail mix) or in commercially produced breakfast cereals; the nuts tend to be rancid and the dried fruits contain fungi. (This is an excerpt from the book ‘SIMPLE STEPS TO TOTAL HEALTH’ by Andreas Moritz & John Hornecker) ener-chi/books/simple-steps-to-total-health/
Posted on: Mon, 08 Sep 2014 13:00:01 +0000
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