ALMONDS
Harvest: September to February
Almonds are a food that can be eaten as a snack, as an accompaniment, as a food to be included in snacks or school lunches, and even as dessert. Two handfuls of almonds, skinned and weighing approximately 28 g, provide enough for one adult:
- 14 % of the daily requirement of dietary fiber, which is an essential substance for the proper functioning of the intestines, prevention of certain types of cancer, and regulation of cholesterol.
- Appreciable amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which appear to have a protective role in cardiovascular disease.
- 37 % of Vit. E needed daily, which is a potent anti oxidant and protector of the cell against external aggressions.
- Several minerals in appreciable quantities such as Magnesium (19%), Iron (6%), Calcium (7%), Phosphorus (14%) taking into account the daily needs of an adult.
This mineral and vitamin richness and no cholesterol and salt, make almonds an interesting food to be consumed regularly throughout the week and integrated into a healthy diet. Adding almonds to cakes, sweet desserts or other products with simple sugars reduces the speed of absorption of sugars and the associated blood sugar peaks.
However, the almond has a moderate caloric value, and its consumption should not be exaggerated, particularly by sedentary people.
NUTS
Harvest: September to November
Walnuts are the nut richest in omega-3 fats: a 30 g serving contains 2.6 g of omega-3 fatty acid, providing 200% of the recommended daily allowance.
The intake of omega-3 helps reduce triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels, while increasing good HDL cholesterol, thus reducing the risk of coronary heart disease.
In its chemical composition are present B vitamins, especially thiamine, B6, folic acid and minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium and copper. This nut contains ellagitannins, a type of polyphenol with antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties.
They are a good source of gamma-tocopherol, a type of vitamin E, known to help fight breast, prostate, and colon cancer.
Melatonin, an antioxidant found in walnuts, makes them an excellent food for the nerves and for a good night's sleep