Nutrition and Nuts!

I love this quote by Michael Eades M.D. and Mary Dan Eades M.D., authors of Protein Power:

"The medical problems that confound us today will probably amaze scientists in the twenty-first century as they puzzle over why we medical pioneers of today were unable to reach out and grab the obvious, why we were so advanced in certain areas of medical treatment yet so abysmally deficient in others. Why, they may ask, could our surgeons perform open-heart surgery so skillfully as to make it a routine operation while at the same time our nutritional experts couldn't determine the optimal diet for preventing most of the problems necessitating that procedure. Why spend so much time and effort developing complex surgical techniques and other wondrous medical procedures that prolong the life of the diseased body for a few months or, at best, a few years instead of focusing on nutritional changes capable of prolonging healthy life for decades? Why can't we see the big picture?"

Interesting!

Nutrition is what it's all about! We need nutrition - plain and simple - if we want real health.

Let's take, nuts, for instance. For many years, "experts" have told us to avoid fat and because we have been told that nuts are high in fat, many often avoid eating them. However, recent research and a decision made by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration tell us that eating nuts such as walnuts and almonds on a regular basis may be a way to reduce cardiovascular disease as well as promote weight loss.

A study recently compared a diet of 2 different groups. One ate a low-fat diet with diet shakes and bars, plus fruits, vegetables and whole grains. The second group ate raw nuts, plus fruits, vegetables and whole grains - having a much higher fat calorie intake. Interestingly enough, the second group lost more weight.

Studies also show that raw walnuts and almonds eaten daily can:
* lower high cholesterol levels
* improve cardiac function
* reduce the risk of coronary heart disease
* improve nutrition in the diet so consumers eat less
* provide the body with essential omega-3 oils

However, it's important to remember two things though:
1) Raw nuts are full of nutrition and fiber, while roasted nuts have toxic effects, so make sure to only eat them raw.
2) This does not mean bowlfuls of nuts daily - just a handful or so is sufficient.

Enjoy eating raw nuts, include them in your daily diet, and remember that the fat in nuts is the good kind that you need.

To your best health,
Erleen