The best is hidden inside.
The coconut, which grows at the top of the coconut palm, is the world’s biggest seed used in plant reproduction. It is hard to tell where the palm originally comes from because a coconut that falls into the sea can float and survive for several months, thus extending its reach far and wide. For active people and athletes, coconuts are a natural ion booster.
Health benefits:
- Coconut is used to treat nerve diseases and memory loss.
- It helps with skin diseases and lung defects.
- Coconut relieves pain of the musculoskeletal system caused by excessive stress or tension.
Vitamins and minerals: contains proteins, carbohydrates, saturated fats, calcium, silicon, phosphorus, magnesium, chlorine, potassium, sulphur and vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6 and C.
Country of origin: Cayman Islands
African nuts against depression
Cashews grow on Anacardium occidentale, a tree that originally comes from north-eastern Brazil. The name “anacardium” derives from the Greek word for heart, “cardia” because the nuts resemble the heart in shape. The nuts are the most effective natural antidepressant, with a high content of magnesium, a lack of which causes mood swings, depression, sleep disorders, irritability and headaches. Just two handfuls of cashews a day can improve your mood.
Health benefits:
- Cashews have a positive effect on cancers, particularly cancers of the large intestine.
- They contain oleic acid, which is good for our heart, reduces blood pressure, maintains the natural colour of our hair and helps keep our bones healthy and our nervous system in balance.
- Cashews prevent the formation of gallstones, improve digestion and help you maintain optimal body weight.
Vitamins and minerals: Cashews are a rich source of minerals – iron, zinc, manganese, copper, phosphorus, magnesium and selenium, of B-group vitamins, folic acid and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and antioxidants.
Country of origin: Ghana
The squirrel knows
Hazelnuts are a reservoir of healthy energy that’s easy to find in nature. They originally come from Asia, from where they spread all over the world. In ancient times, hazelnuts were believed to have healing properties and were even used in divination. That’s why people liked having a good amount of them in stock. A handful of hazelnuts can provide more healthy substances than a portion of regular food. They contain B-group vitamins, carotenes, fat-soluble vitamin E and even vitamin C. Hazelnuts also contain a long list of trace elements.
Health benefits:
- Stimulate memory and brain activity
- Increase stress resistance and help strengthen the nerves
- Act as a balm for mental and physical exhaustion
- Help prevent and treat osteoporosis
- Strengthen the circulatory system and heart
- Suitable for diabetics and pregnant women
- Slow down the decay of mental faculties
- Prevent and help treat neuroses
- Source of energy
Vitamins and minerals: hazelnuts contain saturated fats, magnesium, iron and vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and C.
Country of origin: Turkey
A fatty delicacy that helps you lose weight!
Peanuts grow underground. They are not actually nuts; botanists classify them as legumes. They come from South America, most probably Peru, where the plant grew wild some 7,600 years ago. Peanuts contain many minerals needed for healthy weight loss, as well as nutrients necessary for growth and the proper functioning of our muscles.
Health benefits:
- Peanuts promote haematopoiesis and help with heart and skin diseases.
- They also protect against caries.
- Their content of healthy fats reduces blood cholesterol and sugar levels. Peanuts improve memory and immunity and even help with weight loss.
- They contain antioxidants that protect cells, tissue and organs. Peanuts also have a positive effect on the nervous system.
Vitamins and minerals: Peanut butter contains many beneficial vitamins and minerals such as B-group vitamins, vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, zinc, manganese and phosphorus. It also contains folic acid, the antioxidant resveratrol and the coenzyme Q10.
Country of origin: China
Bitter and sweet at the same time
Almond trees were among the first domesticated nut trees in the world. Botanically, they are related to apricots. They come from Greece and are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, where their branches symbolise purity. In Italy, almonds are considered a guarantee of a happy marriage; five almonds in the newlyweds’ hands symbolise health, happiness, fertility, wealth and longevity.
A snack of a handful of almonds is full of proteins and nutrients. Their effect on health is almost miraculous. Almonds are particularly good for pregnant women because they contain many minerals needed for foetal development and stimulate the production of breast milk. Almonds should be included in every healthy person’s diet.
Health benefits:
- Regular consumption of almonds strengthens nerves and muscles and helps overcome stress, depression and fatigue.
- They have a positive effect on cholesterol levels and on the heart.
- Almonds contain a high percentage of proteins, have anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antioxidant properties and help with healing.
- They regulate blood pressure and their high fibre content promotes good digestion and bowel functioning.
Almonds boost the immune system and help with acne.
Vitamins and minerals: almonds mainly contain vitamins B1, B3, B6, E and folic acid. Their mineral content includes magnesium, zinc, manganese, calcium, iron, copper and selenium. They also have a substantial content of omega 3 and 6.
Country of origin: Spain
