Nuts Healthier Than Previously Thought

Associated with sports bars and big-top circuses, nuts have always been regarded as an unhealthy snack to be avoided. While this remains true for those honey-roasted and heavily salted nuts, recent research has lead the FDA to allow some manufacturers to include on their labels that nuts have been found to lower elevated cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Here are some facts on your new friend - the nut:

• Nuts are high in fat, though much of it is unsaturated and thus beneficial.

• You won’t find FDA-approved labels on macadamias and cashews, as they are high in saturated fats.

• Almonds have the highest levels of vitamin E and calcium.

• Peanuts (which are actually legumes) contain resveratrol, a compound that may protect against heart disease.

• Walnuts have the highest levels of heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids.

No one nut has been proven superior to others in terms of healthiness, so eating a variety is best. Since nuts are high in calories, one should limit intake to an ounce or two a day – enough to provide any possible health benefits without causing weight gain. Always remember that no food can make you healthy when the balance of your diet is poor.