Nuts get such a bad reputation. I am always surprised to hear people say that they avoid nuts because they are fattening and high in calories. Clearly you cannot eat bags of nuts but a handful a day has incredible health benefits that cookies and other sugary snacks don’t. They are loaded with vitamins and minerals and can even lower your LDL which is the bad cholesterol and raise your HDL which is the good cholesterol. Nuts are high in Omega 3 fatty acids, fiber, vitamin E and L-arginine (which helps prevent blood clots by making the walls of your arteries more flexible). They are a great snack because they have fiber and make you feel full and satisfied. I keep a supply of walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, cashews and brazil nuts in my refrigerator. They can go bad so it’s a good idea to put them in the fridge and always buy organic if you can. Avoid nuts that are roasted since they may have been heated in unhealthy oil and in the wrong oil at high temperatures can destroy the nutrients.

If you have a sluggish thyroid known as hypothyroidism try eating just 2 organic brazil nuts a day. Many women who have sluggish thyroids are deficient in selenium and brazil nuts contain a high level of selenium which is an important trace mineral. Selenium is also good for the immune system.

I add them to salads, veggies and even my homemade veggie burgers have sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds added.

So before you reach for the candy or ice cream, grab a handful of nuts. It will be better for your waistline and your health!

Peace and health,
Maria