#BlogchatterA 2Z 2023 challenge

Nuts that don't drive you nuts

Nuts are nutrient-packed edible seed kernels encased in a hard shell and include almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios, cashew nuts, pine nuts, pecan, macadamia and brazil nuts. They make a healthy snack offering a wide range of health benefits. Peanuts are legumes like peas and beans because they are edible seeds that grow in pods. 

• Almonds: Packed with heart-friendly monounsaturated fat, fibre and vitamin E almonds have the highest calcium content, so required for our bones, nerves and muscles. Almonds with skin promote gut health and have antioxidant benefits. Almond flour works very well as a replacement and gluten-free flour for refined flour in cakes. 
• Brazil nuts: Brazil nuts are native to a tree in the Amazon and are one of the richest sources of selenium,a mineral that supports immunity, acts as an antioxidant and helps wounds heal. .1to 3 Brazil nuts a day is enough because we require very small quantities of the mineral. Brazil nuts are rich in vitamin E too. 
• Cashewnut: Cashewnuts are said to support heart health, by improving blood lipid levels and reducing blood pressure. Rich in manganese cashew nuts are thought to delay age-related memory loss. Replete with heart-friendly monosaturated fats, they manage cholesterol levels. 
• Chestnuts: Chestnuts are low in fat and calories and are a good source of antioxidants and vitamin C. They can be used as gluten-free flour for cakes and bakes. 
• Hazelnuts: These nuts are rich in heart-friendly monosaturated fats, have anti -inflammatory properties and are known to improve vitamin E levels in the elderly. 
• Walnuts: Walnuts contain good fats and have the highest content of short-chain Omega 3 essential fatty acids. Besides improving good gut bacteria, walnuts are said to have anti-inflammatory properties and anti-cancer properties. 
• Pistachios: A popular ingredient in desserts,  pistachios add colour because of their pigmentation. Pistachios have a low-fat content and a high potassium content. They support heart and eye health. 
• Macadamia nuts: Macadamia nuts have a high-fat content and do well to flavour sweet and savoury dishes. Rich in potassium and, magnesium, calcium and potassium they are also the richest source of heart-friendly mono-saturated fats.
• Pecans: Pecans are filled with the goodness of antioxidants and Oleic acid that prevent plaque formation and support heart health.
• Pine nuts: These little nuts are added to pasta, pesto, salad and dips. Botanically they are a seed, rather than a nut derived from different species of the pine cone. Pine nuts are rich in vitamin E and support skin health. Animal studies show that pine nuts help in managing diabetes. 

Why must you soak nuts before consumption? 

This is part of the BlogchatterA2Z 2023 challenge link. 

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