Natural Family Recipes Blog

Cooking With Healthy Nuts

Nuts are found in cookies, candy bars, baked goods, side dishes, appetizers, and entrees, providing a flavorful addition to any recipe, but also uplifting the nutritional content as well. To take advantage of the many positives associated with nuts, consider incorporating the following selections in your next meal.

Walnuts

The walnut possesses a high amount of omega-3 essential fatty acids, which helps elevate heart health, as well as battle the inflammatory symptoms associated with asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, eczema and psoriasis. Walnuts contain an antioxidant compound called ellagic acid, which is proven to fight against cancer, as well as provide a boost in the immune system. Patients given walnuts as part of their treatment have seen the levels of their total cholesterol and ‘bad” cholesterol significantly decrease. The hardening of the arteries (also known as atherosclerosis) was also reduced. To incorporate walnuts when cooking, seek out recipes, such Walnut Salad, Spiced Walnut Apple Pie, and Beef and Walnut Stew.

Almonds

Almonds contain a high amount of magnesium, potassium, manganese, copper, as well as helpful antioxidants, such as vitamin E and selenium. Calcium is also contained in a handful of almonds, which in fact rivals the amount of calcium contained in ¼ cup of milk. To boost the health of the colon, almonds are a winner, as the high fiber content helps sustain regularity. When it comes to lowering cholesterol, almonds are considered one of the best nuts for getting the job done. Almonds are also known to clear the arteries. A few recipes to look forward with almonds include Pine Nut Macaroons, Honey Almond Chicken, and Hot Chicken Casserole.

Cashews

Since cashews are lower in fat than most nuts, they make perfect additions to recipes when one is looking to cut back on the calories. In addition, cashews are filled with copper, magnesium, zinc, iron and biotin. To get your daily fill, try preparing recipes, such as Cashew Chicken, and Cashew Avocado Chicken Salad.

Pecans

The first thing many think of when they hear the word, ‘pecan,’ is the pie it so famously creates. The last thing is probably the fact that there are more than 19 vitamins and minerals provided by this characteristic nut, including vitamins E and A, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. Some of the benefits associated with using the pecan while cooking includes lowering blood cholesterol and clearing up the arteries. A few recipes containing pecans include Pecan Breaded Chicken Breasts, and Coconut Pecan Frosting.

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