Are You Nuts?

"People who eat nuts regularly tend to weigh less than those who don’t — or at least they don’t weigh more, population studies show.”

Polyphenols Contribute to a Longer, Healthier Life

What are polyphenols? Polyphenols are naturally-occurring chemicals in plants, and recent studies have concluded that polyphenols have antioxidant characteristics that may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and various types of cancer.

Professor Gary Williamson, Professor of Functional Foods at Leeds in Britain, lectures on the idea that foods maximize a person’s chances of living a longer life, as well as increasing the quality of life by reducing the possibilities of incurring certain diseases.

Dr. Williamson list a number of foods that are especially healthful. Some of his list include:

1. Apples
2. Berries…including blackberries, blue berries, strawberries, raspberries
3. Black and green teas
4. Oranges, peaches and plums
5. Broccoli
6. Cereal bran
7. Cherries
8. Spinach
9. Red Grapes
10. Red Onions
11. Cherry tomatoes

Like anything else, all of these should be consumed in moderation. Williamson noted, “Epidemiology studies support the protective effects of polyphenol-rich foods. Lack of these components in the diet, because of low intake of fruit and vegetables, increases the risk of chronic disease.”

The Bottom Line…

The fiber and protein in nuts make you feel full longer and likely lead to eating less later.  Some studies have suggested nuts may slightly increase your body’s ability to burn calories, and as much as 17% of the fat in nuts passes out of the body undigested.  Again, as with the foods rich in polyphenols, moderation is always the word of the day. Is there a common denominator to these stories?  Other than tea, all of the best foods for you are raw fruits, vegetables and nuts!!