Nuts take the place of meat in every respect.  With the exception of the peanut (a legume, not a nut) and chestnuts, the average nutritional value of nuts is about 160 to 200 calories per ounce.  The huge amount of fat in the nuts and seeds makes them high in caloric value. Large amounts of proteins and are good in the sources of iron and B vitamins.  All nuts except walnuts, peanuts and filbert produce an alkaline reaction in the body.

Shelled nuts have more of their nutrients intact than unshelled nuts so whenever possible buy whole nuts in their shells for the best results.  Salted nuts turn rancid much faster than unsalted ones and that the salted nuts should be kept in the freezer in a plastic bag away from light, heat, and moisture to insure against immediate spoilage.

Here is some information about a few nuts – “in a nutshell” :

1.  Almonds: One fifth of the weight of the almonds consists of protein.
2.  Brazil: Good protein but very difficult to break open.
3.  Hickory: One pound of hickory nut meat nutritional value is equivalent to four pounds of animal meat.
4.  Walnut:One pound of black walnut meat contains more than 100% more protein than the equivalent amount of Salisbury steak.
5.  Butternut: Good for diabetes problems, contains more fat than black walnuts but has the same amount of protein.

All nuts are in abundance with growth promoting vitamins and excellent for the body.  Nuts contain more iron than other foods; they also contain a high content of calcium.  Most nuts are high in fat, but contain no cholesterol and most nuts have an alkaline reaction within the body which regulates the body to health.  Nuts are also very high in potassium and magnesium.

It’s better to eat nuts in an emulsified form such as nut butters.  Otherwise they must be thoroughly masticated, so that no little hard pieces enter the stomach.  Small particles of such concentrated foods can’t be digested thoroughly and could eventually cause problems in the long run.

Nut butters, without roasting, are superior in nutritive value and comparable to the best cuts of meat and to dairy butters and cheese.  Nut protein is of greater value for the renewal of the body cells than the proteins derived from the muscular tissues of a dead animal with all its waste products.

NO nuts in your diet ?  Are you nuts ?  Do yourself a favor and incorporate the variety of nuts available in your daily diet, you will NOT regret the nutritional benefits of nuts.

By Jasmine Beaupre, author