Nuts to Aging

Nuts are excellent tools to use in 
your anti-aging regimen.

Omega- 3 alpha linolenic acid    -     Proteins      
Anti-oxidants   -    Excellent mineral source   -   Perfect Snack

Many people try to avoid nuts because they are high in fat.  However, all fats are not created equal.  You need to consume certain fats for the body to stay healthy and function properly.  The fats you want to avoid are saturated fats like those found in eggs, cheese and meats.

On the other hand, the fats found in nuts are unsaturated and monounsaturated fats. 
These are healthy fats.   

Nuts are very high in fiber.  They are rich in vitamin E, selenium, zinc, and essential fatty acids.  They are also a good source of potassium, copper and selenium.  Nuts not only lower your LDL but raise your HDL.

Raw nuts are nutritional powerhouses:

·         Lower Cholesterol:  A recent study published in the American Medical Association’s Archives of Internal Medicine has proven that it can lower cholesterol levels. If you eat as little as 67g of nuts a day your cholesterol level will fall by by 5 – 7 %. The study did find that the improvement was higher with those with normal weight.  More study is being done to determine why nuts are less effective in obese people.

Choices include:
Almonds   -   Hazelnuts   -   Pecans   -   Pistachios   -   Walnuts   -   Macadamia nuts -Peanuts.

·         Anti-inflammatory:  The omega-3 fatty acids decrease the body's production of pro-inflammatory bio-chemicals.  Anti-oxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium all help to control oxidative damage by neutralizing "free radicals", the molecular renegades that cause oxidative damage and can start a chain reaction that keeps it going.  Recent research shows that zinc may also be a natural inflammation fighter 
Choices include:
Walnuts   -   Brazil nuts   -   Almonds   -   Pumpkin and sunflower seeds.

·         Decrease risk of heart disease:  Researchers from Harvard Medical School and the Harvard School of Public Health have examined the effect of eating nuts on cardiovascular health, reports the Harvard Men's Health Watch.
      As little as two ounces of nuts a week appears to help lower heart disease risk. Healthful choices include:

           Almonds   -   Brazil nuts   -   Cashews   -   Filberts   -   Peanuts   -  
           Pistachios   -   Walnuts 

           Energy:  Almonds and cashew nuts are like power houses of energy.
           Consuming nuts on a daily basis will fight that lethargic feeling and fill the body
           with immense energy.
           Choices include:

           Almonds   -   Cashews   -   Walnuts   -   Pecans

·                              Motor Skills:  To those over 50, adding a moderate , but not high amount of
          walnuts may help improve motor skills.  Walnuts contain polyphenols and other
          antioxidants and essential fatty acids.

          7 to 9 walnuts per day

·                             Cancer:  Nuts contain the antioxidants quercetin and campferol that may
          suppress the growth of cancers. Brazil nut contains 80 micrograms of selenium,
          which is important for those with prostate cancer. (Note: Many people are
          allergic to the proteins in nuts, so if you have any symptoms such as itchy mouth,
          tight throat, wheezing, etc. after eating nuts, stop. Consider taking a selenium
          supplement instead or work with someone on how to eliminate this allergy.) 
          Brazil Nuts

          Boost Immune System:  Nuts are rich sources in Anti-oxidants, potassium,
          zinc, iron, magnesium, copper and selenium.
          Choices:
 
               Almonds   -   Hazelnuts   -   Pecans   -   Pistachios   -   Walnuts   
               Macadamia nuts   –    Peanuts   -   Brazil Nuts

Disclaimer:
The information in this article or any links in this article should not be considered medical advice.  Any information in this article or from any link in this article is not meant to treat, diagnose or prescribe or cure any ailment or disease.  You should always check with your physician before taking any products or following any advice you have read on YourHomeRemedy.blogspot.com.  Holistic remedies and certain herbs may not be suitable to take if you are pregnant or nursing and should be cleared by your doctor before use.