NUTS IN THE NEWS

We are all concerned about our health and looking for ways to live longer. I found this article that has information on lowering your cholesterol. I am hoping you find it as informing as I did.

Nuts and seeds are packed with protein and heart-helpful monounsaturated fats. Some varieties can also help lower cholesterol. Research has found that many of them are full of phytosterols. A plant compound that helps prevent the body from absorbing cholesterol from food. Pistachios, Almonds, Macadamia nuts, Sesame Seeds, Sunflower Seeds and Pumpkin Seeds have the highest levels of phytosterols. Other benefits of popular nuts and seeds include heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins C and E.

NUT/SEED:
Almonds*

CALORIES PER OZ.:
163

HEALTH BENEFITS:
Abundant in vitamin E; good for the heart.

NUT/SEED:
Brazil Nuts

CALORIES PER OZ.:
185

HEALTH BENEFITS:
Rich in selenium, which may help colon cancer.

NUT/SEED:
Chestnuts

CALORIES PER OZ.:
64

HEALTH BENEFITS:
Plentiful in vitamin C; which may reduce blood pressure. Lower in calories than most nuts.

NUT/SEED:
Flax seeds

CALORIES PER OZ.:
138

HEALTH BENEFITS:
Loaded with heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids; which also may help relieve dry skin and psoriasis.

NUT/SEED:
Macadamia Nuts*

CALORIES PER OZ.: 203

HEALTH BENEFITS:
Teeming with monounsaturated fat (17 grams per oz.) which enhances heart health. It provides 15% of the RDA of thiamin (a B vitamin) that helps convert carbs into energy.

NUT/SEED:
Pistachios*

CALORIES PER OZ.:
157

HEALTH BENEFITS:
Great source of monounsaturated fat (7 grams per oz.) which helps reduce LDL cholesterol.

NUT/SEED:
Pumpkin Seeds*

CALORIES PER OZ.: 153

HEALTH BENEFITS:
Contains omega-6 fatty acids; which may boost memory function and improve cholesterol and heart health. Plentiful in zinc, iron and selenium, which may help reduce blood pressure.

NUT/SEED:
Sesame Seeds*

CALORIES PER OZ.:
162

HEALTH BENEFITS:
Full of omega-6 (See Pumpkin Seeds)

NUT/SEED:
Sunflower Seeds*

CALORIES PER OZ.:
161

HEALTH BENEFITS:
Rich in Vitamin E. The antioxidant may bolster the immune system.

NUT/SEED:
Walnuts

CALORIES PER OZ.:
175

HEALTH BENEFITS:
Jam packed with omega-6 fatty acids (See Pumpkin Seeds)

* High in phytosterols

If you suffer from mold allergies, there may be a way to help you find relief. We all know how green plants are good for you and help purify the air. English Ivy can lower levels of airborne mold in a room within a few days. This is according to the researchers at the Asthma, Allergy and Respiratory Care Medical Center in Long Beach California.

The Ivy filters particles from the air through tiny openings in its leaves. Several 6 – inch pots or one half-gallon pot can improve air quality in an average size room.

It is a very adaptable plant and can thrive in full sun or partial shade and in all types of soil.

One important note: The leaves and berries can be toxic, so keep away from children and pets.

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