Here’s the deal. We all know nuts are good for us, right? Problem is we eat the preshelled ones – you guessed it – health benefits are out the window! Healthy nuts are the ones you shell yourself. They are high in protein, vitamins and minerals. They contain unsaturated fats which lower cholesterol. Slowing down and crackin’ nuts also means we will have proper portion control – WIN! WIN!

 

For centuries walnuts have been used to make medicine, dyes, oil for cooking and oil for woodworking.
Studies from as recent as 2011 have proven that walnuts are beneficial in preventing breast and prostate cancer.
Most that we purchase in Canada are grown in California.

 

 

These are grown in the rain forest along the banks of the Amazon River.
It takes 12 to 14 months to reach maturity after pollination by an orchid bee.
Brazil Nuts are high in Selenium which is a trace element that our bodies need to function properly. Eating 3 – 5 Brazil Nuts a day is enough to give us the health benefits of this superfood.

 

The almond originated in the Middle East and has long been a symbol of watchfulness and promise due to its early spring flowering.

Almonds have been condemned because of the amount of water used to produce them. It is true they take a lot of water – same as most healthy foods! In fact, an almond takes 1/3 less water per pound to produce then do chick peas – also a healthy food.

Yes but are they healthy? Yes they are! They are very high in monounsaturated fats – what you need to reduce the risk of heart disease. Almonds also lower blood sugar. So if you are eating a high glycemic index meal be sure to add some fresh cracked almonds to your salad or as an after dinner treat to lower your GI.

 

The only major nut tree to grow naturally in North America. Think Southern US and Pecan Pie!

Healthy? You bet! They work to help lower your bad cholesterol because they are high in unsaturated fats. In fact, a mere handful of fresh cracked pecans gives you access to 19 different vitamins and minerals.

 

 

Also called Filberts they arrived in North America from Europe.
Today Turkey is the world’s top producer of Hazelnuts. North American production is centered in Oregon and the Fraser Valley in Canada.
Most are familiar with processed Hazelnuts – think Nutella for the young and Frangelica for the not so young.

You guessed it – Hazelnuts are healthy too! They contain a large supply of monounsaturated fats to lower your cholesterol. Did you know they are brain food? High levels of Vitamin E works wonders in the body. They are used to prevent and treat diseases as diverse as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The high levels of fatty acids and proteins also help to combat depression.