Dr William Li, a physician and scientist at The Angiogenesis Foundation, a US not-for-profit organisation established for the study of the formation of new blood vessels, revealed that tree nuts have cancer-fighting properties.
“Eating tree nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, pistachios and Brazil nuts, may help prevent cancer. These nuts contain cancer fighting polyphenols that boost our immune systems. They also have healthy omega-3 fatty acids which can starve cancer by cutting off its blood supply,” Li said.
He explained that research has shown that people who eat more nuts have longer telomeres. Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of DNA molecules that make up chromosomes.
The telomeres stop the ends of chromosomes from fraying or sticking together. A useful analogy is to think of telomeres as the plastic tips on shoelaces.
It was the Australian Academy of Science which highlighted the theory that the ageing process is linked to telomeres.
He said nuts can slow down cellular ageing, while the fibre content in nuts can activate healthy gut bacteria, thereby boosting the immune system.
Walnuts
Walnuts are rich in polyunsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids. Research has shown that walnuts can lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, otherwise known as bad cholesterol.
As such, the consumption of walnuts can help keep your artery walls healthy. Today, the nut trade continues to be a well-established, ordered and structured business, including in supermarkets, in and around Kampala.
Walnuts are mostly often eaten as a snack, but can also be added to salads, pastas, breakfast cereals, soup and baked confectionaries. They are also used to make walnut oil which is an expensive culinary oil frequently used in salad dressings.
Almonds
Almonds are a nutritional powerhouse. They can lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure and help control
blood sugar. They have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, further enhancing the health benefits associated with its consumption.
Furthermore, the protein and fibre in almonds can make you feel full more quickly, thereby better controlling your calorie intake. As such, you can expect almonds to help you to maintain a healthy weight — as long as you have portion control.
An almond contains about 26% carbohydrates, 12% of which are dietary fibre. About 20% of a raw almond is made up of high-quality protein, containing essential amino acids. They are a rich source of vitamin E and B, essential minerals like calcium, magnesium and potassium and healthy fat.
Its phytosterols is associated with lowering cholesterol. Just a handful of almonds contains one-eighth of our necessary daily protein. Almonds may be eaten on their own, raw, toasted or in chocolate.
Hazelnuts
Also packed with antioxidants, hazelnuts have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. They are packed with key nutrients such as vitamin E, B6 and folate.
Hazelnuts are also exceedingly high in good cholesterol or unsaturated fat, and contain little undesirable saturated fats.
Other health benefits include being rich in magnesium and calcium. They are good for your heart, help reduce the risk of cancer, and aid in muscle, skin, bone, joint and digestive health.
Cashews
Cashews may help reduce the risk of a stroke and heart disease. They are said to help with stomach and abdominal illnesses, give a desirable hair and skin, control cardiovascular disease risk, diabetes and cholesterol, as well as improving eye protection, bone and brain health.
Cashews are a storehouse of energy and essential nutrients. They contain protein, carbohydrates, fat and sugar with natural fibre. The rich content keeps you full for long and thus can help you maintain a healthy weight.
Its Omega-3 fatty acids boost metabolism and so, regulate weight loss by getting rid of excess fat.
Minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium, are essential for energy production, brain health and immunity.
You can eat cashews in raw, roasted, salted and unsalted forms. They can also be found in a variety of dishes such as curry, biryani or chocolate.
Wellness consultant NellaNella is a wellness services provider that emphasises the importance of balancing physical and mental wellness. It also empowers individuals to take better control of their health through lifestyle change involving diet, mental therapy, fitness and natural health products.
