With the exception of chestnuts and ginkgo, nuts contain very little starch and high dietary fiber, so they have little risk of raising blood sugar. The important task of diabetics is to prevent and control the complications of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and in this regard, nuts will be quite beneficial. Eating a handful of nuts in the morning is, rather, a smart food choice for people with diabetes.
For example, a study published in 2004 found that adding a handful of walnuts to the diet of people with type 2 diabetes improved their blood lipid status. In a Spanish study that looked at 9,000 people with cardiovascular disease, eating nuts was found to be beneficial in controlling blood lipids and heart disease risk.
Gout patients can eat a handful of nuts, and they can also rest assured.
Because nuts are low-purine foods, the purine content in them is lower than that of soybeans and most legumes. For example, walnuts have 25 mg/100 g of purines, Brazil nuts are 23, hazelnuts are 37, peanuts are slightly higher at 79, tofu is 68, soybeans are 190, and pork is 150.
Those who lose weight can eat it with confidence.
Dieters should feel at ease, because studies have found that some nuts have a good sense of satiety. For example, the fiber content of almonds ranks first among nuts, which can effectively suppress hunger and prolong satiety. Even walnuts, which are not high in fiber, are beneficial for weight control when eaten in moderation without increasing the total dietary energy. If you eat it for breakfast, don't worry too much.
Nut and peanut allergies may be increasingly common among children, with the number of such U.S. children nearly doubling in five years, researchers say. An estimated 1.5 million Americans suffer from peanut allergy, and 200 people die each year from severe anaphylaxis.
The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology says there may be several reasons why peanut allergies are becoming more common. Reasons include: 1. Roasted peanuts may be more likely to trigger an immune response 2. More children may start eating peanuts before their immune systems are mature 3. More skin ointments contain peanut or tree nut products.
It is the protein in nuts that causes the allergic reaction. Mistaking these proteins for harmful invaders, the immune system launches a total attack. Unfortunately this resistance often leads to rashes, asthma and stomach cramps, and even flare-ups of more severe allergic reactions. It can eventually lead to swelling of the windpipe, lower blood pressure and even death.
If you have a nut allergy, you have to carry epinephrine with you. Avoid foods that are seasoned with nuts, such as salad dressings. And read labels on processed foods carefully.
