Are you Nuts??

The most misunderstood and disfavoured food group is nuts. The word nuts, too, is brandished around in place of crazy. Their vast inherent goodness is masked by just one trait – their fat content. On the higher side, 15gms of nuts which would be about 15-18 almonds does impart 8gms of fat but there are 4gms of protein there as well, along with loads of other nutrients.

• Its a concentrated form of slow release energy, For kids snack boxes or after a workout, if eaten in the right quantities it is most beneficial to health, its fat content too.

• It is a good source of fibre so helpful for those with constipation problems or ulcers.

• They contain a multitude of vitamins and minerals which are readily available to the body. The same might lost from other foods due to heating and processing.

• The fats too are of the monounsaturated variety which have beneficial effects on the heart.

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•  For example, those with thyroid problems should eat 2-3 brazil nuts a day.

• Pecans are known to fight fatigue

• Pistachios and Walnuts should be favoured by those with period problems.

• Pregnant women should consume 4-5 hazelnuts a day.

• Almonds play an important role in the vegetarian diet due to the calcium they provide to the diet.
  

The goodness of nuts is  ratified by both Hindus and Muslims. At Diwali, the traditional gift has always been nuts and dry fruits. During Ramzan, the ideal way to break a fast is by nuts and khajur.

Nuts such as Almonds, Brazil nuts, Cashew, Chestnuts, Hazelnuts, Macadamia, Pecans, Pistachio,Walnuts and Pinenuts should be seen on a person’s plate everyday. A mix of the above is optimum.

Crucial to the consumption of nuts is the quantity. Not more than 10-12 nuts a day. 2-3 of different types and sizes- big (walnuts, cashew, brazil) and small (pistachio, almonds, pine)

Nuts just go on to prove that good things come in small packages!