Nuts & Seeds

Eating a handful of nuts and seeds each day has many nutritional benefits such as being an excellent source of protein, vitamins and minerals, fibre and essential oils. They play a crucial role in liver function, tonify the body and add weight and strength.

Nuts and Seeds must be kept in a cool dark place as they become rancid quite quickly which causes irritation to the stomach lining and intestines. Buy organic nuts as they have fewer pesticides. The best way to eat seeds is by soaking them overnight to make them more digestible!

Many people have allergic reactions to nuts, especially peanuts. Instead of including nuts in your diet increase your intake of wholegrains and legumes.

Almonds

Almonds have many great qualites, they: alleviates coughs, lubricate the intestines and alkalise the blood. They are considered to be one of the best nuts as they contain 20% protein, vitamin E, B vitamins, calcium, copper, iron, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and manganese.

Almonds are used to make LSA, which is a ground up mix to put on your cereal (high in fibre); eating a handful of soaked almonds is a great snack; and almonds are also used to make milk, a great alternative to cows milk!

Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts are rich in minerals and are also a “complete” protein which means they contain all of the necessary amino acids. Selenium, is a powerful antioxidant and helps boost the immune system.

Magnesium, also found in brazil nuts, aids the release of energy from food to assist nerve and muscle function and keep bones healthy. Zinc helps strengthen the immune system as well and Vitamin E can help prevent heart disease. They are a great addition to a nut mix, sprinkled on top of your cereal, and are found in many nut & seed bars.

Coconut

The Coconut Research Centre has found that coconut kills bacteria, viruses, fungi, expels tapeworms and provides a quick nutritional source. It boosts energy and endurance, improves insulin secretion and helps protect against osteoporosis amongst many other benefits.

Has small amount of protein (10%), some carbohydrate and fibre, Vitamins A, B, C, potassium, magnesium, manganese, copper, and iron. Coconut flakes can be added to all kinds of foods and the milk is great for making soups, drinks and curries!

Flax Seeds

Flax seed comes in seed form, powder and oil. The seeds relieve pain and inflammation, strengthen immunity and are good for cleaning the heart and arteries. They are also effective when it comes to constipation.

Flax seeds contain fibre, antioxidants, and Omega 3 which is a great nutrient for the brain and concentration, not to mention nerve function. It also has positive effects on hormones as it has a high concentration of lignans.

Peanuts

Peanuts have a good amino acid balance, contain 25% protein, are rich in nutrients: B Vitamins, Potassium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Calcium, Iron, Zinc, Copper and Manganese. They are highly fattening though as they contain 50% fat. They also contain resveratrol which has a potential anti aging effect and is also associated with reducing Cardiovascular disease.

Quite a number have mild to severe allergic reactions to peanuts, which can cause anaphylactic shock. An allergic reaction also can be triggered by eating foods that have been processed with machines that have previously processed peanuts.

Pine Nuts

Pine nuts are nature's only source of pinoleic acid, which stimulates hormones and helps diminish your appetite. They have a high concentration of oleic acid which aids the liver in eliminating harmful triglycerides from the body.

They contain Iron and are rich in Magnesium.. Pine nuts are a great addition to salads, on top of roasted vegetables and even mixed with Almonds to make milk!

Pistachios

Pistachios aid to purify the blood, lubricate the intestines and help with constipation. They contain 20% protein, 50% fat and a good level of thiamine and niacin. They also contain folic acid and have a small amount of vitamin A. Potassium and iron are quite high and sodium is low. Pistachios also contain phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, zinc, copper, and manganese.

Pistachios have been known to lower cholesterol, provide antioxidants, reduce lung cancer risk, improve heart health and even have a calming effect on the body.

Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin Seeds contain Zinc, are a good source of protein and contain a balance of amino acids, high in Iron, calcium, phosphorus and also contain some magnesium & copper. Vitamin E, essential fatty acids and a mix of B vitamins.

They have many benefits such as: prostate protection, improved bladder function, treatment for depression, preventing osteoporosis, natural anti-inflammatory, preventing kidney stones and is used in the treatment of parasites.

Sesame Seeds

Sesame Seeds contain amino acids, 20% protein, vitamins A, vitamin E, folic acid, zinc, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. They contain sesaminand sesamin, which are believed to prevent high blood pressure. Useful in removing intestinal worms and pus formation in the body

Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower Seeds are 25% protein, have good amounts of fibre, B vitamins, high in potassium and low in sodium. They are rich in zinc, iron, calcium, mineral rich, vitamin D, copper, manganese and phosphorus.

Walnuts

Walnuts are seen as a brain food - they even look like a brain! They are great for lowering cholesterol, removing blood clots, lifting your mood and protecting you from heart disease.

Walnuts are a balancing nut: 15-20% protein, 65% fat, mix of Vitamin A, B, C, and E, as well as contain iron and potassium.