Introduction: Nuts are highly beneficial for health when consumed in moderation. Nuts are a must-have snack for office workers during their downtime because they are rich in dietary fiber and various beneficial fatty acids, making them excellent for weight loss, beauty, nourishing the kidneys, and slowing down aging. According to statistics, the percentage of Chinese people who favor nuts is 20% higher than the world average, showing that nuts are deeply loved by the nation. So, what is the nutritional value of the common nuts we know?
The Anti-Depression Fruit: Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds contain beta-carotene, which can prevent the necrosis of cells in the lower layers of human skin and make hair soft and beautiful. Vitamin B8 can cure depression and neurasthenia.
The Anti-Cancer Fruit: Almonds
Amygdalin in almonds, under the action of enzymes, produces a natural anti-cancer substance that can selectively destroy cancer cells. Bitter almonds can treat coughs and asthma, but are slightly toxic. Sweet almonds are used to nourish the body, are non-toxic, moisten the lungs and lubricate the intestines, lower cholesterol, and are suitable for the elderly and the weak.
The Treasure of Health Preservation: Walnuts
Walnuts are one of the heart-strengthening foods recommended by Dr. Morrison, a master of modern natural therapy. According to measurements, every 100 grams of walnuts contain 50-64 grams of fat, of which 71% is linoleic acid and 12% is linolenic acid. Protein content is 15-20 grams, which is also high-quality protein. The fat and protein in walnuts are the best nutrients for the brain. Carbohydrates are 10 grams, and they also contain nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, carotene, riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin B6, vitamin E, juglone, phospholipids, and tannins.
Salted and Fried Walnut Kernels
The Fruit of the Heart: Pistachios
Pistachio kernels are highly nutritious. Every 100 kernels contain 20 micrograms of vitamin A, 59 micrograms of folic acid, 3 milligrams of iron, 440 milligrams of phosphorus, 970 milligrams of potassium, 270 milligrams of sodium, and 120 milligrams of calcium. They also contain niacin, pantothenic acid, and minerals. The oil content of the kernels is as high as 45.1%. Because pistachios are rich in oil, they have the effect of moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements, which helps the body detoxify. Pistachios are also a nourishing food and medicine. They are sweet, non-toxic, warm the kidneys and spleen, benefit deficiency, regulate the middle and Qi, and can treat neurasthenia, edema, anemia, malnutrition, and chronic diarrhea. Pistachios are high in calories and contain a lot of fat, so those who are afraid of gaining weight or have high blood lipids should eat them in moderation.
The Longevity Fruit: Pine Nuts
The fat components of pine nuts are oleic acid and linolenic acid, which can lower blood pressure, prevent arteriosclerosis, and prevent cardiovascular diseases caused by high cholesterol. Generally speaking, the trend of increased blood pressure in young and middle-aged people becomes more obvious with age. Therefore, preventing and treating hypertension should start from childhood to achieve twice the result with half the effort.
The Fruit of the Kidneys: Chestnuts
Chestnuts are rich in soft dietary fiber. They strengthen the spleen and stomach, and nourish the kidneys and heart. Their glycemic index is lower than that of rice, so diabetics can have a small amount. Eat only 6-7 per day. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that chestnuts are best for treating kidney deficiency and weak legs. However, eating too many can easily cause stomach discomfort.
Braised Chicken with Chestnuts
The Insect-Killing Fruit: Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are a world-recognized natural insect-killing food. They have a strong killing effect on larvae of schistosomes, tapeworms, and hookworms in the human body, which is very important for maintaining human health and internal circulation and metabolism. At the same time, pumpkin seeds have natural ingredients from pumpkin that lower blood pressure and blood lipids, making them a very suitable food for people with obesity, high blood pressure, high blood lipids, and cardiovascular diseases.
Health Tip: According to accurate results from a study of 20,000 men by the U.S. Physicians' Health Study, people who eat nuts at least twice a week, one ounce each time, have a 47% lower chance of dying from sudden cardiac death than those who never eat nuts. This means that eating nuts more than twice a week can reduce the risk of fatal heart disease.
The Memory Fruit: Peanuts
Here we emphasize the calories of raw peanuts, not roasted or fried peanuts. It is not recommended to eat these overly processed peanuts, as they are high in calories, can easily lead to weight gain, and can easily cause internal heat. The weight-loss factor in peanuts is unsaturated fatty acids, which can promote fat metabolism in the body. At the same time, the rich vitamins E and K can promote cell metabolism. The fiber content in peanuts is also very high, so the satiety is very strong.
Peanut Butter Toast Rolls