Nuts

In the calorie-conscious world of today, it helps to give a holiday gift that not only tastes delicious but also is good for one’s body.

Nuts are a great source of vitamins and proteins and are the perfect snack food for both adults and children. Like most food given as a gift during the holiday season, this editable delight will certainly be consumed.

In a gift basket with meat and cheeses, or by itself, nuts are a welcomed treat for most anyone, except for that one person who has an allergy. Be sure to check if the person you have in mind to give these delicious treats to is allergic or not, first!

So Many Nuts

Not sure what kind of nut to give? Here’s some health and nutritional information on the benefits of different kinds of nuts available:

• Peanuts: While not actually nuts, peanuts are a legume since they grow under the ground. Strawberries’ content of antioxidants is bested by peanuts. They also contain high quantities of niacin, which helps with skin and digestive health.
• Cashews: With its wonderful flavor and smooth texture, the cashew helps reduce heart disease, cancer and other illnesses due to it containing the “heart-healthy” mono-unsaturated fat.
• Pecans: Eat these plain for a packed punch of thiamin, iron, vitamin E, magnesium, and other important vitamins and minerals. One serving of pecans also delves out approximately 3g of fiber.
• Almonds: In a recent study it was found that people on a low-calorie diet lost more weight when they consumed approximately 1 ounce of almonds daily, than those on a low-calorie diet who didn’t not eat almonds.
• Walnuts: Slightly higher in calories than other nuts, walnuts contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, protecting one from various illnesses and diseases.
• Macadamia: Like the walnut, these nuts have a higher calorie count than most nuts and are sweeter and crunchier than most nuts. These nuts can contain up to 18 calories per nut.
• Pistachios: Can be habit forming as they are a lower calorie nut, however, stay away from the dry-roasted nuts as they often contain oils, thereby increasing the number of calories.
• Hazelnuts: These nuts have a are tasty and nutritious! Hazelnuts contain the plant extract, which helps keep cholesterol low and helps ease symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
• Chestnuts: A great source of fiber, magnesium, iron, vitamin C, and potassium.
• Brazil Nuts: This nut provides large amounts of selenium, more than any other food, which if eaten daily can help boost the immune system and protect one from cancer.