Nuts
Nuts are the best source of arginine, an amino acid that plays an important role in wound healing, detoxification reactions, immune functions and promotion of the secretion of several hormones including insulin and growth hormone.
Arginine plays an important role in the relaxation of blood vessels thereby improving blood flow. The degree of improvement offered by arginine supplementation in angina and other cardiovascular diseases can be quite significant as a result of improved nitric oxide levels. Nitric oxide plays an pivotal role for the man when it comes to his sexual wellbeing – read more !
Brazil Nuts are a heavyweight when it comes to nuts nutrition, nutritional value and calories. Loaded with healthy polyunsaturated fats, Brazil nuts are the richest and most reliable food source of selenium. Just one nut can provide more than the daily recommended value of this important trace mineral, Brazil nuts are also a very good source of chromium.
Selenium plays a role in reducing allergies and inflammations as well as shown to lower the risk of heart disease and cancer.
Because of the high selenium content, their intake should be limited to 1 to 2 servings twice a week.
Cashew Nuts are a very good source of monounsaturated fats, as well as many minerals including copper, magnesium iron, zinc, biotin and protein.Cashew nuts have a lower fat content and a higher protein and carbohydrate content than most other nuts. 65% of the fat is derived from oleic acid a monounsaturated oil with known benefits in protecting against heart disease and cancer.
Although lower in vitamin E and calcium than most nuts they are a good source of protein, magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc.
Hazelnuts
Hazelnut with their rich flavor are one of the most nutritious nuts in the nut kingdom.
They are one of the highest natural sources of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins E and B6 and magnesium. Furthermore, they are a good source of the amino acid arginine, which helps to protect the cardiovascular system by relaxing blood vessels.
Hazelnuts also have one the lowest percentages of saturated fat (along with pine nuts and almonds) and one of the best nut sources of heart healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fats.
Hazelnuts and hazelnut oil are the best known sources for Vitamin E. Vitamin E, regarded as an important antioxidant with cardio protective benefits, is also one of the top selling vitamin supplements in the United States. 
The heart-healthy qualities make hazelnuts ideal for a healthy snack or a variety of healthy meals. Whether looking for something healthy, indulgent or both, hazelnuts have it all!
Walnuts
Walnuts are an excellent plant source of protein as well as a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids which has been shown to aid in the lowering of LDL cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart disease by improving blood vessel elasticity and plaque accumulation . Even compared to other nuts, walnuts have significantly higher amounts of omega 3 fatty acids, which can also be found in large amounts in flaxseed and and healthy fish.
Furthermore, walnuts are rich in fiber, B vitamins, magnesium and antioxidants such as Vitamin E.
Walnuts are also a very good source of manganese and copper, two minerals which are essential in a number of enzymes important in antioxidant defenses. In addition to this, walnuts also contain an antioxidant compound called ellagic acid, which blocks the metabolic pathways that can lead to cancer. 
Melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland, has been discovered in walnuts in bio-available form, making them the perfect evening food for a natural good night’s sleep.
Melatonin, besides being a sleep hormone, is a very powerful antioxidant, anti-aging agent, immunoregulator, anti-depressant and sexual dysfunction regulator.
Raw nuts in general are high in calories, so to reap the health benefits of eating walnuts but not add excessive calories to your daily intake, limit your intake of these tasty treats to 1.5 oz per day or about 20 walnut halves.
Pecan Nuts
One of the most traditional southern U.S. dessert recipes is the well known pecan pie which of course uses the pecan nut as it’s main ingredient. Pecans are a rich, buttery flavor and rank highest among all nuts regards the level of antioxidants they contain.
Pecans are a great source of protein and unsaturated fats. The antioxidants and plant sterols in pecans reduce high cholesterol by reducing LDL cholesterol levels, the “bad” cholesterol levels.
Pecans also contain several vitamins and minerals – including vitamin A, vitamin E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, several B vitamins and zinc.
One ounce of pecans provides 10 percent of the recommended Daily Value for fiber. Pecans are also a natural, high-quality source of protein that contain very few carbohydrates and no cholesterol. Pecans are also naturally sodium-free, making them an excellent choice for those on a salt- or sodium-restricted diet.
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