One of the approved primal resource categories is nuts and seeds. They pack a wholloping punch of nutrition and energy. But what are nuts and seeds and why are they so good to eat?
What makes a nut a nut or a seed a seed?
A nut is actually a fruit that doesn’t open it’s shell to release the seeds. Examples of true nuts are hazelnuts, chestnuts, and acorns. Most seeds come from a fruit and free themselves from the hard shell that contains them. Some examples of seeds are almonds, pecans, pistachios, walnuts, and brazil nuts. Even though they are technically seeds, in the vernacular they are called nuts, any hard-walled edible kernel.1
Nuts are high in fat, protein, vitamins, and minerals and naturally low in carbohydrates which makes them a great primal snack. The fats are largely unsaturated and are a wonderful source of omega-3 fatty acids (ALA).2
Health Benefits of Nuts
As part of a healthy human diet, long-term consumption of nuts may contribute to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, reduced levels of blood cholesterol, and lower mortality. For vegetarians and vegans, nuts provide many of the essential nutrients which may be in short supply in other plant foods.3
The following shows nut and seed resources sorted according to the Wellness System:
1, 2, 3 – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nut_(fruit)
The Wellness System