Nuts are high in energy and nutrients. Their nutrition involve significant elements of monosaturated-fatty acids (MUF) like oleic and palmitoleic acids, which are useful in reducing LDL which is a ‘bad cholesterol’ and increasing HDL which is the ‘good cholesterol’. Research show that the Mediterranean diet, rich in MUF, helps to prevent coronary artery disease, strokes through providing the blood with lipid.
The Mediterranean diet is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are important for the body. They are Linoleic acid, α-Linolenic acid (ALA), Eicospentaenoic acid, Docosahexonic acid among others. Studies have shown n-3 or ω-3 fats, due to their anti-inflammatory tendency, help to reduce the risk of blood pressure, coronary artery disease, strokes and breast, colon and prostate cancers. Moreover, Omega-3 fatty acids help in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. As for Schizophrenia, helps in depression and Alzheimer’s disease.
Nuts are rich in poly-phenolic flavonoid antioxidants that are good for the body; examples include carotenes, resveratrol, lutein, cryptoxanthin among others. These compounds provide the body with protection against cancer, heart disease, diseases related to the nerve, Alzheimer’s disease and fungal issues. Research state that resveratrol found in the peanuts reduces stroke through changing the molecular mechanisms in the blood vessels, limiting their vulnerability to vascular impairment by lowering activity of angiotensin and increasing production of vasodilator hormone, nitric oxide.
