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Benefits of nuts and seeds for fitness enthusiasts

Author: Natalia Gorshkova - - head of the healthy food store Dom Khleba.
2017-05-16

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These products are created by God for active, athletic, and health-conscious people. Nuts have a number of advantages that make them unique:

  • They provide excellent satiety.
  • Their plant protein, presence of omega acids, arginine, and vitamins are impressive.
  • Seeds and nuts are a great treat for those who avoid unhealthy sweets.
  • They are a concentrate of energy and benefits.

Until recently, scientists believed that without meat and dairy, a person could not live fully. Modern studies refute this conclusion. Researchers have established that it is animal protein that triggers cancer and aids its development—that's a fact. Experiments have shown that plant protein, on the contrary, positively influences processes in our body without posing any threat, regardless of the amount consumed. Nuts, legumes, and whole grains represent the best source of protein.

Arginine is an amino acid that forms protein along with other acids. Nuts are champions in arginine content among other foods. Arginine stimulates our body to produce growth hormone! Even if we are no longer young! In addition to this essential function, arginine is involved in the production of creatine, the energy source for muscles, meaning that consuming nuts allows for increased intensity of physical activity! The record holder for protein and arginine content is peanuts, followed by walnuts and almonds.

Today, we know of many types of nuts and seeds, but we will focus only on the most accessible and familiar types, some of which have been unjustly forgotten: walnuts, sesame seeds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, poppy seeds, coconut, pumpkin seeds, and peanuts, although many experts agree that peanuts are actually a legume. Almost all nuts and seeds should be eaten in moderation, except for pumpkin seeds and flax seeds. Always remember: it's better to eat less than to overdo it. Most recipes suggest using too many nuts and seeds. Their portion should make up 1/6 to 1/10 of the total amount of other ingredients. Try not to buy roasted and salted nuts—this popular processing method indicates a spoiled product.

WALNUT

This nut contains vitamins E, K, R, and C, iron, cobalt, tannins, magnesium, zinc, as well as a good amount of protein and valuable fats, along with free amino acids. Magnesium helps lower blood pressure. Cobalt, iron, and zinc increase hemoglobin levels. Overall, walnuts strengthen the entire body. They are very beneficial for pancreatic disorders, thyroid issues, and candidiasis. Walnuts can help eliminate dysbiosis and improve intestinal function.

Particularly valuable in the walnut is its excellent and easily digestible protein.

SESAME

Sesame is nearly a record holder for calcium content! It exceeds almost all dairy products! It should also be noted that when consuming dairy, we not only fail to get calcium but actually lose it due to the specific composition of milk. Sesame already contains everything needed, except for vitamin D, which can be obtained from sunlight, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, greens, and unrefined corn oil.

Sesame contains a significant amount of medicinal oil, comprising organic acids. Up to 50% of its fat is omega-3! Sesame (another name for it) contains vitamins A, B, PP, copper, iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, and unique phytoestrogens, lignans—these can help prevent cancer and improve the absorption of vitamin E. Sesame helps build muscle mass!

FLAX SEEDS

Flax is an incredibly beneficial product—it's hard to overestimate its value! We can go on and on about it. Let's touch on only its main advantages. Flax seeds are rich in vitamins A, E, F, B, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, potassium, fatty omega acids, fiber, lignans, and proteins. Flax has antibacterial, antioxidant, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. There are reports of flax slowing tumor growth.

Apart from fish, flax is the only means of enriching our body with omega-3 and omega-6! What else can flax be beneficial for? The slime from flax is very beneficial for the digestive organs; it boosts immunity thanks to lignans and omega acids; it helps eliminate bad cholesterol; it contains substances that aid in the formation and strengthening of bones; it maintains optimal blood glucose levels; it is very beneficial for the heart; it cleanses the liver; it helps with hypertension; and it cares for your skin, hair, and weight loss efforts!

SUNFLOWER SEEDS

Sunflower seeds contain vitamin D, which is present in even higher amounts than in cod liver oil! They also contain vitamins A, B, E, PP, F, and are rich in potassium (more than bananas), calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. The nutritional value and digestibility of seeds exceed that of meat and eggs!

Seeds are especially beneficial for athletes and individuals with significant physical activity, as they help strengthen the muscular system. Sunflower seeds are very good for the heart, nervous system, liver, bile ducts, vision, skin, and hair.

POPPY SEEDS

The first thing to note about poppy seeds is that they are undoubtedly champions in calcium content, surpassing that found in hard cheese! However, one cannot consume a large amount of poppy seeds, so sesame seeds, flax seeds, and sunflower seeds come to the rescue. Poppy seeds are rich in vitamins C, E, B4— in large amounts, as well as A, B3, B1, B9, B2, B6; additionally, they contain phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iodine, selenium, iron, and zinc. Poppy seeds also provide omega-3, oleic, and linoleic acids. They are very beneficial for respiratory diseases, digestion, heart health, and, of course, for the skeletal system, hair, skin, and nails!

COCONUT

Coconuts are rich in vitamins and minerals: B vitamins, E, H, C, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, sodium, manganese, and copper. Coconut oil is the only plant-based saturated fat! Coconut is a source of quick energy, enhances physical efficiency, and alleviates chronic fatigue symptoms.

Medical studies confirm that coconut fights many viruses (influenza, herpes, measles), bacteria (throat, oral cavity infections, pneumonia), fungi (candidiasis, diaper rash, ringworm), and parasites.

Coconut improves digestion and the absorption of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It also positively influences insulin secretion insulin. This nut supports good bone health by facilitating the absorption of calcium and magnesium. It accelerates tissue healing and protects the body from harmful free radicals. Coconut prevents liver diseases and supports thyroid function. Coconut oil can also protect your skin from sun damage.

PUMPKIN SEEDS

Pumpkin seeds are very tasty and incredibly beneficial! They contain vitamins A, B, C, D, K, E, amino acids (arginine, glutamic acid), plenty of proteins, calcium, potassium, folic acid, selenium, niacin, iron, zinc, manganese, copper, and phosphorus. These seeds have a beneficial effect on immunity, the nervous system, vision, heart health, the gastrointestinal tract, as well as on skin and hair.

PEANUTS

Peanuts contain a substantial amount of oil and protein, comparable to legumes! They are rich in vitamins D, E, B, PP, A, and contain significant amounts of calcium, potassium, manganese, copper, magnesium, and numerous antioxidants. Peanuts have a similar effect on blood vessels as red grape juice—they dilate blood vessels and improve circulation! They are beneficial for the heart and digestion. Peanuts enhance memory, attention, and boost productivity during physical and mental tasks.

Peanuts should not be consumed by those with liver or stomach problems, or if allergic, and children under 3-5 years should ideally avoid them, as their livers are still immature until age 6.

The main rules for consumption are to eat them in moderation (20 grams for children, 30 grams for adults per day) and roasted, as this allows for better absorption without harming you.

Purchase raw peanuts and roast them yourself to ensure you avoid spoiled nuts.

It’s hard to believe that such familiar and simple products can be so beneficial! Now, armed with this knowledge, you can significantly diversify your diet, strengthen your health, and become more resilient and active! If you're looking to buy fresh nuts and seeds, as well as other natural products at low prices, visit the online health food store “Dom Khleba”.

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