Nuts are the true substitute for flesh meat. They contain everything in the way of nourishment that meat contains, minus the poisonous constituents of the latter. They are very rich in protein and fat. In addition, they possess all the constituents that go to make up a perfect food.
People who consume nuts as part of a heart-healthy diet can reduce their LDL, low-density lipoprotein or “bad,” cholesterol level in their blood. High LDL is one of main factors for heart disease.
Eating nuts reduces your risk of developing blood clots that can play a role in having a heart attack. Nuts also improve the health of the arteries’ lining. The evidence for the heart-healthy benefits of nuts is not concrete. The Food and Drug Administration only allows food companies to state evidence that says, “suggests but does not prove” that eating nuts will more likely to reduce heart disease.
Nuts are good for the heart, really?
Depending of the type of nuts, the majority of them contain at least some of these beneficial substances:
Unsaturated fats: Unsaturated fats are thought to be the “good” fats in nuts — monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats; reduces the bad cholesterol levels.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Many nuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are a healthy version of fatty acids that assist your heart by preventing irregular dangerous heart rhythms that can eventually lead to heart attacks. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids are found in many types of fish. However, nuts are one of the best plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
Fiber: Every nut that exists contain fiber. This helps lower your cholesterol; it gives you that “full” feeling. As a result, you eat less. Fiber is also thought to play a role in the prevention of diabetes.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E may help stop plaque development in your arteries, which can narrow them. Plaque development in your arteries can cause chest pain, coronary artery disease or even a heart attack.
Plant sterols: There are various nuts that have plant sterols. It is a substance that can reduce your cholesterol. Plant sterols are often added to products such as margarine and orange juice for additional health benefits. Sterols are naturally sourced in nuts.
L-arginine: Nuts are also a source of l-arginine, which is a substance that may help the improvement of your artery walls with making them more flexible and less prone to blood clots. This can cause the blood flow to be blocked.
Overall, nuts are usually healthy. However, some are healthier than others. Walnuts are one of the best-studied nuts, and proves that they contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Nuts, such as almonds, macadamia nuts and hazelnuts are very healthy for the heart. Believe it or not, peanuts are not nuts, but a legume–they are very healthy. If they are nuts, why is there a -nut suffix? Who knows? Take coconut, it is not a nut, but a fruit. Although it is healthy, it does not appear to have heart-healthy benefits; it is pretty tasty! Coconut meat and coconut oil do not have the benefits of the mono/polyunsaturated fats.
Just think about it, if the nuts that you buy in the container have sugar, salt, or even that good and delicious chocolate, then it is likely that the nutritional benefits are pretty much out of the door! Bottom line: get pure and unsalted nuts, regardless of which type!
The Simple Food Remedies 
Vinny Grette
November 30, 2013 at 4:28 pm
From what I’ve been reading, coconut oil does indeed have many health benefits. It has mid- and short-length (not long-chain) saturated fats, one of which is only also found in breast milk. It is said to improve the amounts of good cholesterol. Have another look and let me know what you think?