I feel like there are too many opinions when it comes to what is and isn't healthy for a person out there. It's pretty obvious when something isn't good for your body. It's packaged, right? But the thing is, peanuts/nuts in general are packaged. Depending if they've been salted—yuck—they aren't bad for you!
I have basically become dependent on nuts. Almonds especially. In proportion! Now...almonds are great for you, yes. But if you eat more than a portion, you're not benefiting yourself at all. Unfortunately.
Many weight-conscious people shudder at the idea of nuts as part of a healthy diet. For years, dieters have shunned nuts because of their high fat content. Well, you can forget everything you ever heard about nuts, and delight in knowing they are now considered health food! The key to including the great taste of nuts in a healthy diet without overdoing the fat and calories is portion control.
Even the government is leaning toward allowing a health claim on food packages touting the nutritious benefits of nuts. The Food and Drug Administration is now reviewing a proposal that would allow foods containing nuts to carry this label: "Diets containing one ounce of nuts per day can reduce your risk of heart disease."
An Ounce of Prevention
Several studies over the past several years have shown the health benefits of nuts -- which contain monounsaturated fat, vitamin E, folic acid, magnesium, copper, protein, and fiber, and are rich in antioxidant phytochemicals.
They are a powerhouse of good nutrition that can dramatically reduce the risk of heart disease. They've also been shown to play an important role in helping to lower "bad" cholesterol levels and raise "good" cholesterol levels. In addition, they can help dilate blood vessels and prevent hardening of the arteries.
PS: Have you ever made your own almond butter? O.M.G. AMAZING!!! HyVee has a nifty little machine that does it with the flick of a switch!
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