Posted Aug 10, 2010
Nuts are beginning to crack the bad-diet myth. Research has proven that certain nuts can be heart-healthy foods.
“The FDA approved the heart-health claim for almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, some pine nuts, pistachios and walnuts, as these nuts contain less than 4 grams of saturated fats per 50 grams of total fat,” said registered dietitian Indi Maharaj with Erlanger’s Chattanooga LifeStyle Center.
“Nuts are one of the best plant sources of protein,” she said, adding that they are rich in fiber; phytonutrients, such as beta-carotene; antioxidants, such as vitamin E; and selenium, one of the strongest allies in the fight against cancer. But there’s more. They’re also high in Omega 3, a good fat that has been shown to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.
All that in a handful of nuts daily.
“Scientific evidence suggests but does not prove that eating 11/2 ounces per day of most nuts as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease,” Ms. Maharaj said.
Research had found that the best approach in reaping the health benefits of nuts is to substitute nuts for foods high in saturated fats. Ms. Maharaj suggests adding nuts to cookie dough rather than chocolate chips. Or, instead of making a sandwich with deli meats high in sodium and artificial ingredients, make one using nut butter. Toast it so that the nut butter is warm and delicious.
Tammy Grafe, manager at Greenlife Grocery, said customers love the nut butters made and sold there. “They’re creamy and taste wonderful, plus they’re all-natural,” she said.
At a recent national meeting of retailers, Ms. Grafe said she learned that many nut butter companies are coming out with easy, single-serve packs. “In general, they must be seeing a demand,” she said.
Shane Ginder, bulk manager at Greenlife, said almonds are the top seller in the nut department. “I hear people talking about blood pressure, and they’ll buy nuts for that reason and all sorts of health-related reasons,” he said. “Some are trying to get away from animal fats and looking for a source of protein. Nuts are a good source of healthy fats.”
Date: April 22, 2010
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