Monday 16 September 2013

Health Nuts

Nuts are always recommended for the health giving properties and their  rich  health beneficiary properties. . Sure, they are oil rich, but eaten in moderation, they can give you lots of goodness, not to mention add crunch and flavor to a range of dishes, both sweet and savoury. We are eating a much larger variety of nuts these days. Here is a quick guide.

Almonds:









Benefits of almonds, these are rich in vitamin E, with just a handful providing barely all of the recommended daily intake of the Vitamin. It prevents obesity,  helps in weight loss, fights against blood pressure. Almonds can enrich dishes ranging from cakes, to stir fried veggies. To blanch almonds, soak them in hot water for a few minutes and the skins will slide off. Run through  the mixer and add to cake batter for a fragrant, nutty flavor. You can also top dishes like stir fried beans with a sprinkling for toasted almond sliver for extra texture.

Brazil nuts Nutrition:













Brazil nuts, these seeds come from a very large tree in amazon forests. They are packed with heart protecting selenium, and also protein, magnesium, phosphorous, Vitamin E. This is a whole protein nut filled with necessary amino acids, since it will be helpful for those pure vegetarians in need of protein. If you come across them you can incorporate them in your cakes, and cookies.



Hazel Nut:














These are ancient, once having figured among the five sacred nourishment bestowed on man by God. They are nourishing all the way, packed with B vitamins and folates. Hazel nuts contains more monounsaturated fats, and nil cholesterol. Hazelnuts also have the highest amount of fiber among nuts. Hazel nuts combine beautifully with chocolate and hazelnut flour makes very rich cakes as well.


Macadamia Nut:















Australia's  favorite nut is brimming with healthy monounsaturated fats. They are delicious roasted, chocolate coated or in a trail mix of nuts and dried fruit.


Pecan Nuts:














These essentially American nuts are a great all round snack for health conscious people. Pecan nuts are rich in protein and fiber, and also they contain a special acid called Ellagic which is well known in preventing certain cancers. They were known to the ancient Indians for their health giving properties. Pecans can perk up cookies and make great toppings for chocolate cakes.


Pine Nut:












 The ancient Greeks and Romans considered these resinous nuts aphrodisiacs. It has anti ageing qualities with rich iron and they say that pine nut has the riches protein among nuts. It also boosts the immune system and takes care of your bones. Its effects on the libido may not have been proven, but its a star ingredient in Italian cuisine. Pine nut the edible seeds of pine trees, removed from pine cones, can add crunch and sweet nuttiness to salads, they go into the popular condiment, pesto, and can also, in combination with other ingredients, be used to stuff poultry.

Pistachio nut:








These are unique because they don't have to be shelled before roasting. Pistachio nut with their recognizable green hue are from the same family as almonds and peaches. Full of anti oxidants, vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and rich in fibre,  they figure in many Indian sweets, but are great to eat on their own as well.

 Walnuts:


















Walnuts health benefits are really rich, every now and then new research study results have been talking about walnuts benefits, the recent study they say walnuts are beneficiary in preventing cancer,  its believed that these nuts with their gnarled shells have been cultivated more than 4000 years ago. They  have a high plant omega 3 content and are therefore an excellent addition to your daily diet. Walnuts are fabulous in salads and, of course in cakes, cookies and brownies.


How to store nuts: 

Nuts turn rancid fast, because of their high oil content, so buy fresh stocks and in limited quantities. Store in a cool dry place, but5 not in the refrigerator.




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