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Nuts are a popular ingredient in savory and sweet recipes. They are a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
There are many types of nuts, but some of the most common include almonds, walnuts, pecans, pistachios and cashews. Each type of nut has its own health benefits, so it is important to choose wisely.
1. Almonds
Almonds are a type of nut that’s named for their almond-shaped seeds. They’re also known for their numerous benefits, including their ability to improve skin health and help prevent the development of wrinkles.
They’re a popular snack that can be enjoyed both raw and roasted, and come in many forms. They’re also an excellent source of protein, dietary fiber, magnesium, vitamin E, and phosphorus.
They are grown in several countries around the world and are primarily grown for their edible nuts. There are two main types of almonds: Sweet and Bitter. The former, which is more common, has a yellowish-buff, flattened-ovoid shell with a rough and fibrous surface. Its seeds are rounded at one end and pointed at the other, covered with a thin brown, scurfy coating.
2. Walnuts
Walnuts are the edible seeds of the walnut tree, Juglans regia (commonly known as English or Persian walnuts). This tree grows in a variety of climates, including tropical regions.
Besides being delicious, walnuts are also packed with antioxidants. These plant compounds can help lower oxidative stress and fight free radicals, which are the culprits behind many diseases.
A healthy diet full of walnuts can also benefit your heart and brain health, explains Tracey Frimpong, R.D., a registered dietitian and founder of That Black RD. This is thanks to the heart-friendly nutrients in walnuts, like ALA and potassium.
Walnuts also contain vitamin B-complex groups, which can be helpful for women during pregnancy. Folic acid, for example, may reduce inflammation and promote fetal growth.
3. Pistachios
Pistachios (Pistacia vera) are the seeds of a small tree native to Afghanistan, Central Asia, and Iran. They are an important part of Indian cuisine, as well as a common ingredient in Iranian chicken and rice dishes.
They are a rich source of monounsaturated fat, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. They also have a low glycemic index, which means that they don’t cause a rapid rise in blood sugar after you eat them.
In addition, they have been found to help lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease. They may also help regulate your blood pressure, as they increase the elasticity and tone of your arteries and veins.
Despite their health benefits, pistachios are a water-intensive crop. They take up 341 gallons of water per 4 oz serving and require significant irrigation. They’re also often grown in areas with limited surface water resources, which can stress delicate river ecosystems and make groundwater undrinkable.
4. Pecans
Pecans are a type of nut and a tree in the genus Carya. They are native to temperate and subtropical North America.
They have a rich nutrient profile and are an excellent source of energy. They are also a source of healthy fats, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants.
Their English name comes from Algonquin natives, who called them puh-khans, meaning “all nuts that require a stone to crack.” The word pecan is derived from this name.
They have a long and colorful history in the United States. Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were early promoters of the pecan. They grew the nuts on their personal properties and shared them with family members.
5. Peanuts
Peanuts are the seeds of a legume (Arachis hypogaea) plant that is widely cultivated throughout tropical and warm temperate regions. The nutlike seed is edible and is used for food as well as an essential source of oil.
They are a staple in many cuisines around the world, including African, Latin American and Asian. They can be eaten raw, roasted or cooked in a variety of ways. They are also used to make savory sauces, salad dressings, soups and stir-frys.
They are an important part of a healthy diet and can help lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke and increase blood flow to the brain. They also contain a high level of arginine, an amino acid that is a precursor to nitric oxide and helps to keep blood vessels relaxed.