Mix Nuts

My little family loves peanuts. We usually eat that whenever we pass by a stall that sells nuts. I'm amazed how my tot would binge on it and would ask for more.

I was told [as always] that eating peanut would cause pimples. I used to believe that of course because zits are all over my face, lol!

And they also said peanuts can make someone smart? I don't know about that though.

Are nuts good to eat?

Nut Facts

• Nuts are high in fat: true. Ergo they are bad for you: false. A diet low in fat is indeed healthy, the keyword here is low, as not all fats are bad for you. There are two types of fat: saturated and unsaturated. Unsaturated fats are actually good for you, and all nuts contain roughly 90 percent unsaturated fat. Nuts contain both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats; both reduce cholesterol levels, and lessen the risk of a heart attack. Though they are high in fat, the nutritional benefits in nuts may actually facilitate weight loss if consumed in moderation and as part of a healthy diet. Nuts of all types are high in protein, fiber, vitamins and antioxidants, and when consumed raw, contain no sugars or carbohydrates.

Peanuts

• Sadly, peanuts have the worst reputation in the mixed category for their high fat content, and popularity as a bar and carnival snack. However, studies show that this coveted nut is just as effective in lowering the chances of coronary heart disease as are the more trendy tree nuts even when roasted, salted or sugared. Peanuts also contain high amounts of protein.

Almonds

• Many health-conscious individuals associate almonds as the "healthy nut," and for good reason. Almonds are packed with a little bit of everything: protein, antioxidants, magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron and vitamin E. Cholesterol studies have shown that two handfuls of almonds a day lowers bad cholesterol by almost 10 percent.

Brazil Nuts

• The name says it all, though in Brazilian Portuguese, the nut is referred to as Castanha-do-pará. Either way, the Brazil nut contains extremely high amounts of selenium, an antioxidant that helps fight against cell-damaging free radicals that cause cancer and heart disease. As such, Brazil nuts have been proven especially beneficial in the prevention of breast cancer.

Cashews

• Cashew nuts are teaming with a plethora of minerals and vitamins including iron, magnesium for bone growth, phosphorus, zinc for a strong metabolism and selenium.

Walnuts

• It is argued that walnuts, of all the nuts, are the most beneficial to health because they contain omega-3 fatty acids that are also found in many fish oils (such as salmon) but are not found in other nuts. Omega-3 is a critical component to healthy arteries, and is proven to lower cholesterol levels.

Moderation

• Though nuts contain many nutrients, minerals and heart healthy fats, they should not be abused. All nuts pack a very high calorie content, which is beneficial in producing the "full" feeling, though can spike your caloric intake if not monitored. As with all foods, they must be consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. Many dietitians recommend around 50 g (about 2 oz.) of nuts of any variety (mixed) per day. Nuts have proven effective as diet aides as they reduce feelings of hunger for longer periods of time; that is of course nuts that are raw, unsalted or low in sodium and not coated in sugar. www.ehow.com

I gotta love nuts more, agree?