2 of 10

Write now Article Tools

Nuts are a powerhouse of protein, a great healthy snack that is not only good for you, but fills you up at the same time. Human beings have been eating nuts since prehistoric times and will probably continue to do so for years to come.

It is believed that eating a handful of nuts daily can help prevent the onset of diabetes, protect the heart and even help to maintain a healthy body weight. It is recommended that we eat a handful a day. The list below will show you some different kinds of nuts.

Almonds are recognized as a superfood because of their nutritional value, they were held in high esteem by both the Ancient Egyptians and the Romans.

Brazil nuts were discovered by the Spanish in the 16th century and are still enjoyed today.

Cashew nuts are also thought to have originated in Brazil before being taken to India, by Portuguese explorers, where they are still used in a number of Indian dishes.

Hazelnuts were part of the staple diet in Prehistoric Britain and are still grown throughout the United Kingdom.

Macadamia nuts are native to Australia and were called "kindal kindal" by the Aboriginals.

Pecan nuts were native to North America and were an important part of the diet of some North American Native Indian tribes.

Pistachio nuts are called the happy nut in China. They were first cultivated 100,000 years ago in Syria and Iran.

Sweet Chestnuts are believed to have originated in Spain and were brought to Britain by the Romans. They are often enjoyed roasted at Christmas time.

Walnuts are grown throughout Europe and the Americas and there are 15 different varieties. Walnuts are another nut that is, along with Almonds, heralded as a superfood.

The Nurses Health Study concluded that eating nuts could lower your risk of heart disease by 35%. This study has been backed up by several more including one by Harvard School of Public Health and one by the Physician's Health Study. This is believed to be in part because of the fat content of nuts. Nuts contain what are referred to as the "good" fats which are known to help protect the heart. Nuts that are high in monounsaturated fats are macadamias, cashews, almonds, pistachios & pecans. Nuts that are high in polyunsaturated fats are walnuts, hazelnuts, and brazil nuts. Nuts that are high in omega 3 are walnuts and pecans.

Nuts also contain an amino acid called Arginine. Arginine has been found to reverse the most common complications of diabetes and heart disease (Prendergast,1998). The reason for this could be that

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about The different kinds of nuts and their nutritional value?
We want to hear your view. Write now!