Nuts are good for you but processed nuts are harmful....

Today's post: Monday, 3-23-2009

Most people aren’t allergic to nuts. (Unfortunately, some people are allergic to tree nuts.)

However, if you are in the majority and not allergic to them, eating raw nuts regularly is so good for you that people who eat a small amount daily have been found to live as much longer than people who don’t as people who avoid tobacco smoke are than smokers!

Nuts are a superfood that contain nutrients, particularly minerals and trace minerals that strongly enhance health. And, they make you enough less hungry that people who eat them very likely eat far less junky snacks that harm health. Lastly, nuts have heart OK or heart beneficial oils and people who eat them likely eat less butterfat and fatty meats as a result.

But I buy raw or dry roasted nuts in bulk at Whole Foods for two reasons. First, nuts cost a LOT less that way. Second, I’ve suspected the quality of the oils the oil roasted nuts are roasted in, plus those are harmful due to the excess added salt they usually have.

So, when I saw last Friday’s article on the subject, I thought I’d base today’s post on it.

Here it is.:

“This article appears courtesy of Early To Rise, a free newsletter dedicated to making money, improving health and secrets to success. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.earlytorise.com .”

“Nuts: From Natural Treasure to Man-Made Trash

By Kelley Herring

Nuts are undoubtedly one of the healthiest foods you can eat. Research shows that nut noshers have the slimmest waistlines and a significantly lower risk of heart disease.

But the benefits don't end there. Nuts are packed with life-essential minerals, including magnesium and selenium. And they are a concentrated source of brain-nourishing and blood-sugar-balancing fats.

Still, manufacturers have found a way to meddle with the nut and muck up Mother Nature. In fact, the "Diamond" brand has been turning treasure into trash by adding genetically modified corn oil and BHT to its walnuts, hazelnuts, and other naturally pure tree nuts.

Protected by their shells, nuts are a relatively "clean" plant food - unadulterated by pesticide toxins - even when grown conventionally. But add corn oil - which is high in inflammatory omega-6 fats as well as being genetically modified almost 90 percent of the time - and you've completely changed their lipid profile and biochemical nature.

Corn oil itself is a preservative, but Diamond adds BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) to ensure shelf stability. BHT prevents oxidation. It is used to preserve food odor, color, and flavor. It is banned in Australia, Japan, Romania, and Sweden due to its carcinogenic activity. In the United States, BHT is prohibited only in infant formula.

Avoid inflammatory corn oil and carcinogenic BHT by reading the labels before you buy. You'll be pleasantly surprised to find that many inexpensive brands of nuts are free of these unnecessary additives. They contain only one simple ingredient: "nuts."

Just take a few moments to pick the treasure... and leave the trash.

[Ed. Note: One of the best ways to stay healthy and live longer is to eat good foods. Nutrition expert Kelley Herring ....]”

She writes on food and nutrition for Early to Rise and for www.TotalHealthBreakthroughs.com where she also regularly provides health supporting recipes.