Why Seeds and Nuts Are Health-Giving
21 April 2010
Eating nuts (almonds, brazils, cashews, chestnuts, coconuts, hazels, macadamia nuts, peanuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, walnuts) and seeds (pumpkin, sesame, sunflower) is rather good for our health. They give us calories, vitamins and minerals. Especially they are nutritious for vegetarians and vegans.
Most nuts and seeds contain protein, fat and carbohydrate to a greater or lesser degree, depending on the type. In most seeds the fat is poly- or monounsaturated.
Calorie content
The nutritional value of nuts and seeds makes them a useful part of a vegetarian diet. However, they make a very high calorie snack. For example, a small packet of roasted peanuts contains about 20 g fat which is 300 calories.
Vitamins & minerals
Seeds are high in fibre and may be a good source of minerals, B vitamins and vitamin E, relative to the quantities eaten. For example, 100 g of sesame seeds contains about 600 mg of calcium, but a teaspoon of sesame seeds weighs less than 5g. Milk, at 115 g calcium per 100 g, is easier to include in the diet.
Dishes with nuts and seeds:
Chestnuts "alla Lucifero" Recipe