X-Message-Number: 28777
From: Kennita Watson <>
Subject: Good news about cashews!
Date: Mon, 25 Dec 2006 11:12:29 -0800

I've been telling people about this, but I don't remember who:   
cashews are better than other nuts.  Here's a citation from http:// 
www.realage.com (which rocks, and which I get email from once a  
week).  Especially good news for me, since cashews are my favorite nut.

A Fatty Snack That's Not a No-No
Can a snack that's 70 percent fat be good for you? Yes, if it's cashews.

Everyone's favorite nut improves baroreflex sensitivity. That's a  
fancy way of saying that when your blood pressure rises, cashews tell  
your heart to calm down, among other cardio benefits. So at upcoming  
holiday parties, don't feel guilty about picking all the cashews out  
of the mixed nuts -- you're just eating healthfully!
RealAge Benefit: Eating a low-fat diet -- and eating healthful  
unsaturated fats when you do eat fat -- can make your RealAge as much  
as 6 years younger.

Definitely consider adding a can of cashews to your snack options.  
They are a source not only of heart-healthy good fats but also of  
magnesium, potassium, protein, fiber, and other nutritional goodies.  
Just keep in mind that, like all nuts, they're high in calories --  
about 175 per quarter cup (a small fistful). So don't add them to  
your daily diet; substitute them for something you'd normally eat  
that has a similar number of calories. And when those sugary vending- 
machine goodies tempt you in the afternoon, reach for cashews  
instead. Keep a stash (unsalted, please) in your office. Afraid  
you'll eat the whole can? Divide it into small portions and munch one  
serving a day.

By the way, according to researchers, it was cashews specifically --  
not nuts in general -- that had this baroreflex sensitivity effect,  
even though nuts, overall, now rate as health foods. Study  
participants got about 20 percent of their daily calories from  
cashews -- which is a lot. But the cardiovascular benefits of adding  
nuts to your diet can start with just a serving a day -- a modest  
handful.

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