Nuts, in a wide variety, are nutritious and delicious. The New Year is just around the corner, and nuts are an essential part of the festive shopping. It is said that eating nuts is healthy, but is that really true? The premise is choosing the right nuts for you.
1. Walnuts – The Elderly and Menopausal Women
The American Dietetic Association recommends eating walnuts two to three times a week, especially for the middle-aged, the elderly, and menopausal women. This is because the arginine, oleic acid, and antioxidants in walnuts are highly beneficial for protecting the cardiovascular system and preventing coronary heart disease, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease. Do not eat too many at once, as it may affect digestion. Some people like to peel off the brown, thin skin on the walnut surface, which would cause a loss of some nutrients, so do not remove this skin.
2. Cashews – Women with Irregular Diets from Overtime
For women who often work overtime and have irregular eating habits, cashews are recommended as a snack. Cashews are rich in oils that can not only moisten the intestines to promote bowel movements but also help to moisturize the skin. The content of Vitamin B1 in cashews is second only to sesame and peanuts, which has the effect of replenishing energy and eliminating fatigue. However, cashews are not suitable for people with severe gallbladder dysfunction, those with enteritis and diarrhea, and the obese and those with allergies should also use them with caution.
3. Hazelnuts – Children
Hazelnuts are nutritious and contain all eight essential amino acids required by the human body, with a content far exceeding that of walnuts, making them very suitable for children. The calcium, phosphorus, and iron content in hazelnuts are also higher than in other nuts. Due to their rich nutrition and delicious taste, hazelnuts have been regarded as a precious fruit since ancient times. Hazelnuts are neutral in nature and sweet in flavor, with effects such as tonifying qi, strengthening the spleen, stopping diarrhea, improving eyesight, and expelling parasites.
4. Sunflower Seeds – People with Insomnia
Eating a handful of sunflower seeds daily can meet the human body's daily requirement for Vitamin E. The protein in sunflower seeds can rival that of various meats, especially as it contains arginine, which is essential for sperm production. Frequently eating sunflower seeds can help prevent coronary heart disease, stroke, lower blood pressure, and maintain vascular elasticity. Medical experts believe that sunflower seeds can treat insomnia, enhance memory, and play a certain role in preventing cancer, high blood pressure, and neurasthenia.
5. Pistachios – People with Heart Problems
Pistachios can be called a "friend of the heart." They are mainly composed of monounsaturated fatty acids, so unlike other nuts, they are not prone to rancidity. They can lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Eating 10 pistachios at once is equivalent to consuming 1.5 grams of monounsaturated fatty acids. Pistachios that have been stored for too long should not be eaten. Pistachios are high in calories and contain a relatively high amount of fat, so those who are afraid of gaining weight or have high blood lipids should eat them in moderation.
When it comes to eating nuts, choosing the right one for you is the healthiest. As an indispensable part of the New Year's shopping, have you bought nuts for this year's festival yet?