I'm reposting this info on good fats since it was buried in the middle of my raw fudge post.
Today, more and more researchers are finally aware that it is not fat in general that is the villain, but saturated fat, trans fat, and fats consumed in a processed form. Fats from avocado, raw nuts, and seeds are rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals that offer unique health benefits.
Recent evidence shows that the frequent consumption of nuts is strongly protective against heart disease. It has been shown that people eating nuts daily, or more than once a day, had a 59 percent lower risk of fatal coronary heart disease.
One study estimated that every exchange of one ounce of saturated fat to one once of nut-fat from consuming a whole nut was associated with a 45 percent reduction in heart disease risk
Study after study shows that raw nuts and seeds not only lower cholesterol, but also extend lifespan and protect against common diseases of aging. They also provide a good source of protein, which makes up about 15 to 25 percent of their calories.
*But don't go nuts (get it?) on the good fats:
While nuts and seeds have great health benefits, they are higher in calories and fat compared to vegetables, beans, and fruits so they should be consumed in smaller amounts. Nuts and seeds contain about 175 calories per ounce, and a handful could be a little over one ounce. For most of us, they are not a food that should be eaten in unlimited quantity. Unless you are thin and exercising frequently, hold your consumption of raw nuts and seeds to less than two ounces a day.
And don't forget how good healthy fats are especially for our kids' brans, behavior, and development.
Other benefits:
- Improves your child's intelligence
- Aids depression and Attention Deficit Disorder
- Improves memory
- Important for brain and eye development
- Promotes smoother skin; prevents wrinkles
- Helps prevent heart disease and arthritis
- Lowers risk of Alzheimer's and senior dementia
- Lowers "bad" cholesterol
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