Types of Edible Nuts

Published on: Mar 22 2016 by Shenron

A nut is a kind of small, hard fruit that is enclosed in an extremely hard shell. On maturing, the shell cleaved open from the middle. Most of the times the nuts give you a texture that is oily and crunchy.

It is worth mentioning here that not all the nuts are edible. There are some kinds of nuts which are extremely hazardous for health and are therefore not considered good for eating. On the other hand, edible nuts can be stored for longer period of time as long as they are enclosed within shell. Edible nuts are rich source of essential nutrients such as vitamins, mineral, protein, monosaturated and polysaturated fatty acids, thiamine, iron, calcium, zinc, phosphorous and magnesium. Besides all these, nuts are also rich in polyphenols and arginine which are extremely good for circulatory system. Similarly, omega 3 fatty acids are also common in nuts which are good for heart diseases. Walnuts and almonds are considered good for LDL cholesterol. Type 2 diabetes patient are often recommended to consume nuts as nuts help them lower the glycemic index.

Different Kinds of Edible Nuts

Almonds

Almonds are the most popular edible nuts all over the world and known for several different features. Almonds basically belong to the plum family and can be eaten both raw and roasted. Even you can eat them with the peel (out skin) or without it. Almonds are an important source of essential nutrients such as almond oil is extracted from them which have vitamin E as its rich ingredient. Vitamin is extremely good for the skin and hair and for this reason often used in several different hair and skin care products. You can preserve the freshness of the almonds by storing them in cool dry place.

Cashew Nuts

Cashew nuts are also popular all across the world. Cashew nuts grow on cashew trees which is a bushy low branched tree. Cashews are usually not eaten raw because of toxic nature. Cashews are undergone intensive drying and processing before these can be ready for eating. Once these are under processing, these are separated from their shells and treated in such a way to make them free from the naturally occurring toxic resin called caustic oil. These nuts are rich source of zinc. These are used on cakes, sweets, and several other foods. In order to keep them fresh, always store them in refrigerator.

Walnuts

Walnuts are also popular all over the world and are used for their high health benefits. Walnuts are rich in protein, vitamin B and E, highly fibrous, antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats and magnesium. The omega 3 fatty acids content is far more in walnuts. Walnuts are eaten raw or can be used to garnish cakes and in chocolates. Walnuts don’t possess good storing properties, so consuming them in as soon as possible will help you getting the refreshing taste otherwise they turn musty or fusty.

Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts are the type of edible nuts which are surrounded within a hard, dark brown shell. Brazil nuts can be eaten raw or used in garnishing of different recipes such as cakes, cookies, salads, and candies. Brazil nuts are rich in zinc contents. Storing them in a cool dry place will help you preserve the freshness of Brazil nuts for few months.

Acorns

Acorn nuts or oak nuts are the type of nuts which grow on oak tree. These are single seeded nuts surrounded by leathery shell. You can remove the bitter tannins of the nuts by simply boiling them for a minute or two. Acorns are considered extremely useful for the people with high blood sugar levels as they help lower the sugar level.

Other Edible Nuts

  • Pistachios
  • Coconuts
  • Hazelnuts
  • Pine nuts
  • Chestnuts
  • Beechnuts
  • Butternuts
  • Pecans

As we have explain earlier that edible nuts are a good source of nutrients. Apart from delivering essential nutrients, these nuts are also used in cosmetics and in medicines. For instance, walnut oil is often used as cooking oil; almond oil on the other hand is used in aromatherapy or massage therapy; almond oil is extensively used in the cosmetics and other beauty products as it is good for skin and hair care. There is numerous health benefits associated with edible nuts and are equally popular all over the world.

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