The Healing Power of Nuts

Believe it or not nuts are one of the healthiest natural foods there is. Yes, they are high in in fat and calories but if you can control the amount you eat they are a great part of a healthy diet. Rccomended amounts for serving of nuts is 1 ounce. For most people they are like potato chips - you can't eat just one.

• Just one ounce of almonds contains more fiber than a cup of strawberries.
• Eating nuts can help reduce the risk of developing blood clots.
• Macadamia nuts contain the highest level of monounsaturated fat of any nut.
• People who eat nuts regularly have a lower risk of heart disease.
• Peanuts are a great source of B vitamins.
• Brazil may play an important role in helping to prevent breast cancer.
• Walnuts is one of the bet sources of omega-3 fatty acids, outside of fish.
• Nuts are rich in fiber and therefore fill you up faster.
• Pistachios contain a high level of magnesium which helps to control blood pressure.
• Almonds are one of the best sources of vitamin E.
• Peanuts contain all eight amino acids we need for a healthy diet.
• Nuts are high in omega-3 which lower LDL cholesterol.
• Brazil nuts contains more selenium than any other food.
• Cashews contain a significant amount of iron which is essential for proper red blood cell function.
• The six healthiest nuts are walnuts, pecans, cashews, macadamia nuts, Brazil nuts, and almonds.

Nuts lower the risk of...

• gall stones
• strokes
• macular degeneration
• dementia
• type 2 diabetes

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed

1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/3 cup pine nuts

3 tsp minced garlic

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

Combine basil and pine nuts in food processor and pulse a few times.

Add garlic and pulse a few times.

Slowly, continuously add olive oil until blended.

Scrap sides with rubber spatula.

Add grated cheese and pulse until blended.

Add salt and pepper until blended.

Pesto is great served on pasta, noodles, baked potatoes, or spread on your favorite bagel chips or baguette slices.

Makes 1 cup.

Ingredients:

3 egg whites

2 tsp water

2 cans (12 oz each) dry roasted peanuts

1 cup whole blanched almonds

1 cup unroasted walnuts halves

1 3/4 cups sugar

2 tbsp pumpkin pie spice

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp allspice

3/4 tsp salt substitute

1 cup raisins

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 300 degree.

Spray 2 cookie sheets with spray oil.

Beat egg whites and water until light and frothy.

Add nuts and seeds, stir gently to coat.

Combine sugar, spices and salt to nut mixture stirring gently to coat.

Gently fold in raisins.

Spread onto cookie sheets, bake for 20 to 25 minutes stirring every 10 minutes.

Cool, then store in an airtight container.

Makes 10 cups.

Ingredients:

3 cups cook brown and wild rice

2 oranges, peeled and sectioned

1 apple, peeled, cored and chopped

3 tbsp. golden raisins

1/4 cup sweet white onions, diced

2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped

1/2 cup whole roasted almonds

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients and store in refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours.

Light Orange Dressing:

1/3 cup olive oil

1/4 cup orange juice

2 tsp. lemon juice

1/3 tsp crazy mixed up salt

Instructions:

Combine all ingredient and whisk until blended.

Toss salad and dressing and enjoy.

Makes 4 servings.