THE NUTTY FACT
Peanuts are members of the Legume family, related to Lentils peas and beans.

Peanuts generally, contain oleic acid a heart –healthy source of unsaturated fat and folate which is very essential to the formation of our DNA.

Research shows that oleic acid promotes cardiovascular health. Diabetic patients, who add monounsaturated fats to their diets, can decrease their triglyceride level which is associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

The risk of birth defects could be reduced by maintaining adequate level of folate.

Peanuts are rich in heart protecting unsaturated fats, protein, vitamin and minerals.

An expert in the field of research, Vasento Melina, a registered dietician and co-author of the Becoming Vegetarian and Food Allergy Survival Guide, has proved that Nuts are low in calories and fat.

TYPES OF NUTS
There are up to 11 varieties of Nuts, namely:

Peanuts, Macadamia nuts - also known as Queensland nuts - which are native of Australia, Almonds, Pine Nuts and Pecans, Walnuts, Chestnuts, Brazil nuts and pistachios hanging a bag of Walnuts in the kitchen in France means abundance and longevity, Hazelnuts and Cashews.

HEALTH BENEFITS
Vitamin E promotes healthy aging and protects against Alzheimer’s disease.

Copper is essential to the body metabolic enzymes.

Fibre And Protein improves your digestive system

Magnesium reduces stress on the blood vessels, promotes oxygen flow and decreases free radical damage to the heart.

Vitamins C forms and maintain bones, blood vessels and general development.

Potassium is necessary for regulating the heart beat and maintaining regular muscle contractions.

Vitamin B reduces the chance of developing prostate cancer.

Calcium promotes healthy bones, teeth and internal cellular balances.

Copper: Cashews have a high concentration of this mineral. Copper prevents anaemia and joint problems such as rheumatoid arthritis.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Enjoy peanuts in staples such as peanut butter (Prepare your own by blending roasted Peanuts and adding peanut oil which gives you that savoury taste to stir fries and salad dressings).

Soak nuts in wine before roasting - that will give you an unforgettable taste!

Spread cashew butter on whole or multigrain toast at lunch and add cashews to sautéed vegetables at dinner.

CANDID HEALTH ADVICE
If you can’t eat nuts try and add similar nutritional profiles in your diet foods. If you are sensitive to all nuts consider pumpkin and sesame seeds again, if you can’t eat any of the above, go for other health fats, olives, avocados or any allowable vegetable oil.

ALLERGY
Avoid nuts if you have allergies on peanuts this is beacuse peanuts are one of the most common allergens. In other to reduce the risk of developing allergy the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) recommends that children under the age of three should not eat nuts.

Avoid if you have kidney problems or if you are taken a calcium supplement. Cashews contain oxalates which may interfere with calcium absorption.

NUTRITION ADVICE
Include nuts in your daily diet meals to lower cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease; you will notice a difference in your energy level. According to Vasento Melina, “Nuts have not proven to have negative effects”; she continued “Nuts get a bad rap because people think sitting and eating peanuts is really fattening”, says Melina “but you should shift your perspective and eat nuts as part of your regular meal.”

Try garnishing a pasta dish with nuts or adding peanuts and cashews to a stir fry into your breakfast cereal. Also try nut and cashew butters especially, those without sugar, oils or other added fillers.

Nuts help to promote good health.

Rush and grab a hand full of EXOTIC NUTZ, a nutritious snack add this into soups and salads. Today you can properly store nuts over a year.

HAVE THAT EXOTIC FEELING, GO FOR EXOTIC NUTZ.