During holidays and festivals, Chinese families often prepare nuts like watermelon seeds, peanuts, and pistachios to entertain guests or enjoy themselves. However, many people experience discomfort after eating certain nuts; for example, some are allergic to peanuts, while others develop "melon seed disease" from eating too many watermelon seeds, which can cause a sore tongue, abdominal discomfort, and indigestion. Therefore, although nuts are delicious, there are certain taboos to consider when eating them.
Walnuts Walnuts are known as the king of antioxidants. They contain arginine, oleic acid, and other antioxidants that are highly beneficial for protecting the cardiovascular system and preventing coronary heart disease, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease. However, you should not eat too many at once, as this can affect digestion. Some people like to remove the thin brown skin from the walnut kernel, but this will cause a loss of some nutrients, so it is best not to remove this layer.
Sunflower Seeds Eating a handful of sunflower seeds daily can satisfy the body's daily requirement for vitamin E. The protein content of sunflower seeds is comparable to that of meat, especially its high content of arginine. Regular consumption of sunflower seeds can help prevent coronary heart disease, stroke, lower blood pressure, and maintain the elasticity of blood vessels. Medical experts believe that sunflower seeds can treat insomnia, enhance memory, and play a certain role in preventing cancer, high blood pressure, and neurasthenia.
Pistachios Pistachios contain monounsaturated fatty acids, which can lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Eating 10 pistachios is equivalent to consuming 1.5 grams of monounsaturated fatty acids. However, pistachios that have been stored for too long should not be eaten. Pistachios are high in calories, so people with high blood lipids should eat them in moderation.
Almonds For patients with coronary heart disease who regularly eat almonds, the incidence of angina pectoris is 50% lower than for those who do not. Almonds can regulate insulin and blood sugar levels, making them one of the dietary therapeutic foods for diabetic patients. Almonds are also beneficial for preventing osteoporosis in menopausal women.
Hazelnuts Hazelnuts contain higher levels of calcium, phosphorus, and iron than other nuts. Due to their rich nutrition and delicious taste, they have been regarded as a precious fruit since ancient times. Hazelnuts are mild in nature and sweet in flavor, and are said to have the effects of tonifying qi, strengthening the spleen, stopping diarrhea, improving eyesight, and expelling parasites.
Pumpkin Seeds Pumpkin seeds have the effect of killing parasites and treating prostate diseases. Research has found that eating about 50 grams of pumpkin seeds daily can effectively prevent prostate diseases and prostate cancer. Pumpkin seeds are rich in pantothenic acid, which can relieve stable angina and has a blood pressure-lowering effect. However, patients with stomach heat should eat them in moderation, otherwise they may feel bloated and stuffy in the epigastrium.