Nuts & Seeds - Why You Should Eat Them

Most adults need 5 to 6.5 ounces of protein per day. Because nuts and seeds are highly concentrated in calories and nutrients, a 1-ounce serving of either counts as 2 ounces of protein toward your daily intake. To know your portion sizes, the easiest rule of thumb is a handful of nuts/seeds is the daily recommendation. For women 1oz (approx. 1/4 cup) and Men 1.5oz.

I tend to over snack on nuts/seeds because I love them so much, so when I am really organized I use containers and literally weigh out 1oz portions. Simply because they are too easy for me to indulge in. (See photo below)

So Why Should You Eat Nuts & Seeds?

• They are high in fibre
• They are an excellent source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids
• Lowers blood pressure, cholesterol and keeps your heart healthy
• Contain minerals: magnesium, zinc, plant iron, calcium, copper, selenium, phosphorus and potassium.
• Contain vitamins: E, B6, niacin and folate.

Disclaimer

After years of eating nuts/seeds nearly daily, I developed the very start of a shingles outbreak. After my western medicine Dr confirmed it, and suggested very strong anti-viral medication I went immediately to my local Chinese medicine/Pharmacist. The first thing he asked me was “how often do you eat nuts?” (Daily!) He told me to stop nuts, individuals with dormant Herpes or Shingles virus can suffer outbreaks due to high Arginine levels in nuts and seeds provoke this virus. Taking a supplement of L-Lysine (amino acid) helps to suppress Arginine and the virus, and took the symptoms away immediately. Thank goodness! I was told to lay off the nuts/seeds for at least 6mo, and when re-introducing them, take them along with the Lysine supplement. I have had zero issue with them since then, but think this is valuable information!

Keep in mind the nuts that do not have a good Arginine to Lysine ratio:

• sesame seeds
• pine nuts
• almonds
• hazelnuts

These have a better ratio:

• Cashews
• Pumpkin seeds
• Macadamia nuts