Dec 13 2008
Nuts, a healthy alternative
Nuts, typical for this time of year, give us many advantages because they are very nutritious and provide us energy. After vegetables, nuts are one of the most natural food rich in proteins, and in terms of fat are rich in mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids, for example, wallnuts are rich in alpha-linolenic acid, omega-3.
Almonds contain the highest amount of calcium at 247mg/100g , cow’s milk contains 125mg/100g.
They have no cholesterol, and also contribute effectively to reduce its level in the blood, protecting the heart , by reducing the risk of suffering from coronary arteries diseases, such as myocardial infarction and angina pectoris.
Nuts will not cause obesity, but weight loss when they replace other foods rich in calories in the diet. Even thought they may have the same number of calories as other rich in fat foods such as sausage, cured cheeses, sweets and cakes, they are less fattening.
I know, I know, the problem comes when we don’t substitute nuts in place of fatty foods but eat them in addition which becomes a problem of overfeeding, more calorie, then yes, it is true they may be fatting, but if we eat them in moderation and replacing them for fatty food, they are great for you. For our children they are a perfect snack, instead of giving them sweets they will provide the energy they need to grow.
The only “but” is to make sure we chew all nuts very well so that we can digest them better and we must make sure children are not allergic to certain nuts such as peanuts. Pine nuts are the best type of nut for children.
You should eat 5 or 6 almonds, 3-4 walnuts and 8 pistachios a day. This amount will not interfear with any diet and is the perfect amount to keep us strong and healthy. Come on Playa San Juan eat them nuts…
foto flickr eloy
