Search Body Detox

Store Some Sunlight This Winter—Squirrel Style

http://blog.drdavidwilliams.com/blog/digestive-health-guidance/health-benefits-of-nuts

As the holidays approach, the grocery stores seem to be loaded with bushels of fresh nuts—including pecans, walnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, and hazelnuts. Just like a squirrel, I stock up. I buy pounds and pounds and load up my freezer.

It’s probably no coincidence that many of the nut crops become available just before winter. Nuts are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, which have the ability to actually “store” energy from sunlight. As a result, nuts are a rich source of these important nutrients during the cold months when such fatty acids are otherwise scarce.

In areas like the Arctic region where winter sunlight becomes almost non-existent, the traditional diet of seal blubber and other extremely rich sources of unsaturated fatty acids are instrumental in preventing many health problems, particularly winter-related depression. Research shows that increased nut consumption can have the same beneficial effects for those of us living a little farther south.

Plus, if you choose Brazil nuts, you’re benefitting from one of the richest—if not the richest—natural sources of selenium. The selenium in Brazil nuts not only helps to ward off depression, it has an anti-viral feature that could keep you from getting the flu.

So, how can you add more nuts to your diet:

·        Blend them into your morning smoothie,

·        Stir them into yogurt,

·        Use them as a crunchy, healthy salad topping—replacing croutons,

·        Eat a small handful as an afternoon snack.

Now, I can almost hear your mind churning—wondering about the weight gain from eating all these nuts? In all the studies I’ve seen involving nut consumption; none have shown that eating nuts leads to weight gain. It appears that your body adapts to eating these energy-rich powerhouses by decreasing the desire and/or appetite for other foods.

I would suggest, however, that you not consume nuts that have been oiled or fried, or heavily salted or sugared nuts. Fresh, whole nuts should be your first choice, followed by lightly salted or dry roasted nuts.

Now its your turn:What is your favorite type of nut?

You may also be interested in:

Snack Your Way to Healthy Cholesterol

The Skinny on Frying