Nuts and Seeds

Not too long ago I wrote an article on avocadoes which included information about consuming the avocado seed as well as the flesh, because of its nutritional value.  In general, the seeds and skins of fruits and vegetables have considerably higher concentrations of nutrients than the more commonly consumed, and tastier, flesh.  Tree nuts are actually seeds, too, and they should be a regular part of a healthy diet.

For many years people falsely believed that eating too many nuts would cause weight gain, because "eating fats makes you fat."  Thankfully, for the most part that misinformation has been corrected by the medical establishment, and they have admitted that refined grains and sugars are actually two of the biggest culprits of the current obesity crisis.  Of course there are lots of unhealthy fats available, but natural healthy fats are extremely important for a healthy body, and nuts and seeds have lots of healthy fat.  Nuts can also contain high levels of protein, and it is for that reason that they should be consumed in moderation, but enjoying about a handful of a variety of nuts every day is a great habit.

 

Before I go any further, let me say that peanuts are not a true nut--they are actually from the legume family along with beans--and should generally be avoided for a few reasons.  Peanuts are relatively high in omega-6, skewing the proper omega-3 to omega-6 ratio that our bodies need.  They are also frequently contaminated with a carcinogenic mold called aflatoxin, as well as being one of the crops most heavily contaminated with pesticides.  (Try almond butter or other nut butters as a replacement for peanut butter.)

 

Tree nuts, however, are packed with healthy fats and lots of other important nutrients.  They increase heart health, lower diabetic issues, and fight cancer.  The main fat in Macadamia nuts (60% of its fat content) is the monounsaturated fat oleic acid--the same fat that makes olive oil so healthy--and it occurs in about the same level as that found in olives. Macadamia nuts are also high in vitamin B1, magnesium, and manganese.  Pecans contain over 19 vitamins and minerals, they help lower LDL cholesterol, and promote healthy arteries.  Walnuts are a good source of omega-3 fats and natural phytosterols, and they contain remarkable antioxidants that are very powerful at scavenging free radicals.  Walnuts may help lower the risks of prostate and breast cancers; they boost heart health in people with diabetes and have reversed brain-aging in rats.  Brazil nuts are a great source of selenium and contain powerful antioxidant-boosting minerals that also aid cancer prevention.  Almonds, especially their skins, are rich in antioxidants typically associated with vegetables.  One study showed that the amount of polyphenols in a one-ounce serving of almonds was comparable to the amount in one cup of steamed broccoli or green tea.

 

Seeds also contain an amazing array of nutrients.  Pumpkin seeds are high in magnesium, zinc, and omega-3.  They are important in maintaining prostate health (the main storage area for zinc) and immune function, and they are good for combatting diabetes.  Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E, copper, B vitamins, manganese, selenium, phosphorous, and magnesium.  They have high levels of phytosterols which are important for heart health, the immune system, and lowering cancer risks.  Flax seeds are high in fiber, contain nine amino acids which form a complete protein, are a great source of plant-based omega-3 fats, and are a powerhouse against cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis.  Chia seeds have the best omega-3 to omega-6 ratio of seeds, are high in fiber (2 Tbsp.=10g fiber) and antioxidants as well as calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, and manganese.  They are heart healthy, liver protective, anti-diabetes, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory.  Sesame seeds are a good source of calcium, magnesium, zinc, fiber, iron, B vitamins, and phosphorous.  They help lower blood pressure, protect the liver, and are linked to preventing arthritis, asthma, migraines, menopause and PMS symptoms, and osteoporosis.  Grape seeds are beneficial for bone and dental health, blood pressure regulation, circulation, brain function, and prevention of diabetic and blood sugar disorders.  Since huge quantities of the seeds would have to be consumed to gain these benefits, a grape seed extract supplement is more realistic.  Bitter apricot kernels and other bitter fruit seeds like apple seeds contain Amygdalin (vitamin B17) which has incredibly powerful anti-cancer properties.  There are cancer patients who have cured their cancer simply by taking Amygdalin.  Laetrile is the concentrated pharmaceutical form of Amygdalin.

 

The best way to consume nuts and seeds is to buy them organic and raw--those salted, flavored varieties aren't the healthiest!  For a great crunchy taste, simply soak them overnight (or 7 hours) in purified water with dissolved sea salt (1 Tbsp. salt per 4 cups nuts/seeds), then dry them in a dehydrator or in an oven set at the lowest temperature (150 degrees or under) for 12-24 hours.  Soaking helps neutralize the enzyme inhibitors that affect digestion and nutrient absorption.  I prepare large batches of nuts and seeds this way then mix them with organic dried fruit, organic coconut flakes, and even organic dark chocolate or cacao nibs. 

 

They make a wonderful healthy snack, so go nuts with your own combinations!

Gifts of Gardening

I don't know if it's the case for everyone, but my garden has done very well this year.  Gardening gives me a great sense of satisfaction, especially when it's harvest time.  This year I have green onions, lettuces, carrots, beets, green beans, peas, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, black raspberries, and even a couple watermelon.

The most obvious perk of gardening is providing your own inexpensive source of healthy fruits, vegetables, and herbs which should make up the majority of our diet.  Even though your garden may not be "certified organic," you can know firsthand that your food is grown in healthy soil and free of toxic pesticides.  If you do need to spray (fruit trees, for instance), check into using natural, organic, safe pesticides instead of harmful chemicals.

Gardening offers more health benefits than just the fruits of our labor.  First of all, it gets people outdoors.  I have a pretty good tan going, and it's definitely because I sunbathe--it's my "gardener's tan."
Daily exposure to sunshine (for its critical vitamin D and natural light which helps set the body's clock) and fresh air is very important, but did you know how beneficial it is to have your hands and feet in the grass and soil?  When I head out to my garden, I go with bare feet and no gloves.  There are beneficial microbes in the soil as well as the fact that exposure to other microbes, bacteria, and "germs" in dirt actually strengthen the immune system.

 

There is also the benefit of directly connecting with the earth's energy...this is called "grounding" or "earthing."  Grounded.com describes it this way:  "Being connected to the Earth's energy helps bring us back to our natural electrical state which is vital to our health as we are electrical beings! Connecting to this energy and regaining balance is one of the keys to fostering optimum health. The Earth is quite possibly the biggest "anti-oxidant"; and when we touch it, our bodies are flooded with electrons which our bodies use to counteract free radicals or inflammation in the body. Grounding immediately equalizes your body to the same energy level as the Earth. This results in synchronizing your internal biological clocks, hormonal cycles, and physiological rhythms. The profound effect of Grounding can provide healing, calming and balancing effects on the physical, mental and emotional bodies."  Any time you have the opportunity to walk barefoot in the grass, dirt, or sand, you should take it!

 

If you don't have a yard large enough for a traditional garden plot, there are many creative ways to grow your own food--even in limited spaces like apartments.  Raised beds can be configured for just about any space--for instance long, narrow beds can be put along fence lines without taking up much yard space.  Container gardening is another easy, space-saving method to grow many plants such as tomatoes, peppers, and herbs.  I have seen many ideas such as using trellises, pallets, and bales of straw.  With a little research, you can find a solution for whatever gardening challenge you have.

 

Gardening can also contribute to mental health.  I enjoy weeding and working in my gardens as a stress-reliever.  Planning a garden and ordering seeds is a great idea in January and February to help beat those winter blues.  Not to mention the good feelings that come from spending time in nature and enjoying its beauty.

 

And don't forget the benefits for your kids--teach them how to grow their own food, and let them play outside in the fresh air, sunshine, grass, dirt, and mud!  You'll be doing them a favor.

 So, if you haven't already...get gardening!