07-02-2008, 04:55 PM
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#2 (permalink)
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| | Re: ~~ Nuts for the Heart ~~
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Originally Posted by Ice.Cream  ~~ Nuts for the Heart ~~ Many people think of nuts as just another junk food snack. In reality, nuts are excellent sources of protein and other healthful nutrients. One surprising finding from nutrition research is that people who regularly eat nuts are less likely to have heart attacks or die from heart disease than those who rarely eat them. Studies have shown a consistent 30 percent to 50 percent lower risk of myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac death, or cardiovascular disease associated with eating nuts several times a week. There are several ways that nuts could have such an effect. The unsaturated fats they contain help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol. Nuts are rich in arginine, an amino acid needed to make a molecule called nitric oxide that relaxes constricted blood vessels and eases blood flow. They also contain vitamin E, folic acid, potassium, fiber, and other healthful nutrients. But it is important to bear in mind that: Eating nuts won't do much good if you gobble them in addition to your usual snacks and meals. At 185 calories per ounce, a handful of walnuts a day could add 10 pounds or more in a year if you don't cut back on something else. This weight gain would tip the scales toward heart disease, not away from it. Instead, eat nuts instead of chips or other, less healthy snacks. Or try using them instead of meat in main dishes, or as a healthful crunch in salads. There is a myth about nuts as a fattening food and you should not eat them if you want to lose weight. Fact: In small amounts, nuts can be part of a healthy weight loss program. Nuts are high in calories and fat. However, most nuts contain healthy fats that do not clog arteries. Nuts are also good sources of protein, dietary fiber, and minerals including magnesium and copper. u can enjoy small portions of nuts. One-third cup of mixed nuts has about 270 calories.  | Thanks aunty ji for sharing this with all students....  | | |
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