A variety of edible nuts like walnuts, almonds, cashews and peanuts are used in a variety of food preparations. Read on to know about different types of edible nuts.
What makes a dessert or any dish mouth-watering? No doubt, its flavor! But, what gives it a really tempting appearance is its garnishing with the slices of almonds, cashews, or pistachios.
It is the dried fruits and nuts that add flavor and beautiful look to any food recipe. Edible nuts are used in a variety of dishes and drinks. They are known not only for their delicious taste, but also for their high nutritional value.
The term nut is used to describe a variety of dry fruits or seeds. Botanically, a nut can be defined as a plant embryo enclosed in a hard shell. There are a wide variety of edible nuts grown throughout the world. They are usually oily, firm, or crunchy. Nuts are a timeless snack.
They have been an important part of human diet for centuries. A good thing about them is that, due to their firm outer shell, they are well-protected and can be stored for a prolonged period of time.
Types
Acorns
Almonds
Breadnuts
Brazil nuts
Beechnuts
Candlenuts
Chestnuts
Coconut
Cashews
Hazelnuts
Filberts
Kola nuts
Peanuts
Pine nuts
Pecans
Pistachios
Walnuts
Pine nuts
Nutrients
Edible nuts are the energy-dense foods, loaded with:
Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids
Proteins
Fiber
Selenium
Vitamin E
Thiamine
Iron
Calcium
Magnesium
Potassium
Zinc
Phosphorus
Other benefits
Nuts are quite effective in maintaining healthy body weight by the means of fat absorption and suppressing appetite.
The constituents like polyphenols and arginine in the nuts can help improve functioning of the circulatory system.
Consumption of nuts like walnuts and almonds can effectively lower the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Due to high content of omega-3 fatty acids, nuts are good for maintaining the heart health.
Due to their low glycemic index (GI), they are recommended for people with type-2 diabetes.
Vitamin E rich almond oil, one of the best solutions for skin care and hair care, is used in various beauty products and cosmetics. It is also very commonly used as an alternative medicine for aromatherapy or massage therapy.
Being a great source of energy, nuts are highly effective brain foods. With their excellent culinary and nutritional benefits, edible nuts make a great dietary choice.