- Nuts are loaded with fiber, healthy fats and contain no sugar.
- Walnuts are the only nuts that contain Omega-3.
- Peanuts are not actually nuts, they are part of the legume family and related to the soybean. Peanuts account for two thirds of all nut consumption.
- Pistachios are the seeds of a fruit (the outer fruit is removed during processing). Their green color is due to their antioxidant content. This nut was a favorite of the Queen of Sheba and could only be grown for her benefit.
- Coconuts are the seed of the Coconut Palm. A Coconut Pal disperses it’s seeds using the ocean. Since coconuts float very easily and are buoyant they can travel long distances across the ocean. Coconut oil is a source of energy and has an accelerating effect on metabolism. Coconut milk (not the same as Coconut water) has a high fat content but is low in sugar and often used in cooking.
- Almonds - provide protein, antioxidants, natural carbohydrates and plenty of magnesium and fiber. It’s an excellent healthy snack choice.
- 40% of the world’s almonds are bought by chocolate manufacturers-no surprise since it’s a great combination.
- California leads the world in almond production.
- Cashews -The cashew grows on the outside and bottom of the Cashew-Apple tree which produces a yellow/orange fruit. The cashew tree only blooms once a year. A great amount of labor is required to harvest and process cashews because the nut is surrounded by a double shell containing a potent skin irritant similar to poison ivy. Properly roasting the shells destroys the toxins but this must be done outdoors to avoid inhaling the smoke generated.
- Pine Nuts - Pine nuts are the seeds of pine trees contained in the pine cones. The cones are heated to extract the nuts. Not all species of pine trees produce seeds large enough to harvest however all pine nuts are edible. Pine nuts have been consumed by humans since Palaeolithic times.