Archive for the ‘Nuts’ Category
Homemade Trail Mix
When you’re hungry between meals, it’s convenient to grab a candy bar or a bag of chips. Unfortunately, these items are loaded with sugar, fat and salt. Although they are fine in moderation, it’s important to supplement your snacking habits with some nutritious, energizing food as well. Trail mix is just as simple and convenient to make, and it will help stave off hunger until you can eat a proper meal.
Dried fruits and nuts should make up the majority of your trail mix. Potential fruit combinations include pineapple, raisins, apricots and banana chips. You can complement that mix with any of the following nuts: pecans, cashews, peanuts, macadamias, almonds, pistachios and walnuts. As a special treat, you can also put in a few M & Ms or chocolate chips.
Health Benefits of Brazil Nuts
A lot of health food nuts are (ironically) averse to nuts, because they are wary of their high fat content. But nuts can actually be extremely nutritious and an excellent addition to your diet. Eaten in moderation, they can be a tasty addition to any health conscious person’s daily eating routine. To that end, one of the healthiest nuts is the Brazil nut. These are particularly high in various nutrients and protein.
To that end, Brazil nuts are high in copper, niacin, vitamin E, selenium, and many other healthy elements. Selenium, in particular, is a proven and strong antioxidant. The element that people find desirable in tea and other foods, antioxidants are a way of neutralizing adverse elements within your body. Although not generally accepted, some preliminary studies have even indicated that eating Brazil nuts may contribute to a lower occurrence of breast cancer.
Are Cashews Delicious and Healthy?
Many people guiltily consume cashews because they have been inundated with the idea that these nuts contain a high fat content. Also, they are a particularly delicious nut, and people figure that something that tastes that good can’t necessarily be good for their health as well. But people should be aware that cashews actually can be an addition to a healthy diet.
To that end, cashews are actually much lower in fat than the majority of nuts. Plus, 65% of that fat is unsaturated fatty acids. These unsaturated fats are better known as the kind of heart-healthy elements found in olive oil. Cashews also boast high amounts of magnesium, zinc, copper, and iron. As with any nut, however, the best tactic is eating modest amounts so that the calories don’t nullify the health benefits.
Eat Organic Pasta Noodles
Eating whole wheat organic pasta noodles reduces the risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity.
Whole wheat organic pasta noodles are low in fat and high in fiber; therefore are great factors in regulating blood pressure and cholesterol improving heart health.
Here is a great recipe for whole wheat organic pasta noodles.
Just perfect for the hot summer months.
Whole Wheat Pasta Salad
1 cup whole wheat pasta noodles, any size or shape
1/2 cup finely chopped parsley
1/4 cup chopped green onion
1 large tomato, diced
1/4 cup green pepper, diced
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp. salt
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. black pepper
Cook pasta in boiling water about 5 to 8 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Drain thoroughly.
Put pasta into large bowl. Stir in parsley, green onions, tomato and green pepper.
In separate bowl, mix lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Pour over pasta mixture. Cover and chill.
To serve, garnish with lettuce leaves, tomato slices or lemon slices.
Serves 4.
The Southern Symbol
If you don’t live anywhere near the American south, you probably aren’t too familiar with the pecan. The only time it might even cross your path is on a Thanksgiving Day buffet when it’s the main attraction in a pecan pie. But for the southerners of the USA, pecans are a dietary staple. And beyond that, they’re a rich symbolic element of their culture.
To prove just how important this little nut is to the south, 1919 marked the year when the pecan tree was made into the state tree of Texas. And if you find yourself in the southeastern region of Texas, you might just come across the Texas Pecan Festival. This ceremony is held every year. So important was the pecan to Texas governor James Stephen Hogg that he actually requested a pecan tree mark his grave rather than the traditional headstone. Then he specifically requested the nuts be distributed in order to help perpetuate Texas as the “Land of Trees.”
It’s Not Easy Being Green (Salad)
If you’re an avid salad eater, it can be difficult to keep finding recipes that keep you both interested and satisfied. After all, salads can easily fall into one of two categories. On one hand, some salads simply don’t have enough protein to keep you full. You are left thinking you had a good snack but not a full meal. And on the other hand, they might be filling, but the recipes are bland, leaving you bored at the prospect of eating that same old salad again. If you want to spice up your salad menu, remember it’s all about the extras.
Every good salad will have a base of lettuce and lots of good veggies. Depending on your taste and preference, you can add tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, red peppers, or more. But the real pizzazz comes from the fancy extras. Try sprinkling your next salad with some blue cheese and walnuts. The sweet and savory mix is sure to impress everyone at your next soiree. If you run out of ideas for delicious salad add-ons, just hop onto the internet. It’s an invaluable source for any chef looking to swipe some high quality recipes!
Healthy Benefits of Organic Food
These days people are always hearing about why it’s so important to eat organic food. And, though many people may make a practice of eating organically-grown products, they may not always know what to say when someone asks them, “why eat organic.” The following reasons can clarify some of the questions people may have about organic foods.
~Organic farmers use less energy and water resources and no pesticides.
~Animals that are raised for meat enjoy a higher quality of life because they are allowed to freely graze and are not forced to exist in crowded and cruel living conditions.
~All the pesticides and toxins used in non-organic farming eventually make their way into our water supply.