Nutty Monday: Nuts _ zinc and other tips

When we think of the goodness in Nuts, we think Vitamin E, Fiber, and, of course, Omega-3. But here is a less known fact. Zinc is a mineral that helps increase white blood cells in the body, crucial in our fight against unwelcome invaders. Nuts can be a good source of Zinc, including cashews, almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and more. Don't keep them for special occasions. Make everyday special. You don't have to only eat them raw or roasted. They can even be sprouted. Look at our Kitchen Pharmacy to learn more.

Sprout Seeds & Nuts: Unlock the magic

Sprouting seeds and even nuts is a smart way to minimize antinutrients in foods like phytic acid, enzyme inhibitors, lectins, etc. Sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, and even almonds. Sprouted sunflower seeds are a natural expectorant. They help prevent lower respiratory infections and clear your lungs. Add generously to your salad or in your cooking. Many online tips on sprouting. Click here for one that is easy to follow.

Almond & Brazil Nut: Today's dynamic duo

There are many nutty superheroes. We will feature 2, both very relevant today. Almonds & Brazil Nut. Vitamin E exists in many nuts, but the fat-soluble nature of this Vitamin makes Almond a special candidate as a hero. Vitamin E in Almonds can help open our airways and keep our respiratory system function well. Talking about breathing, Selenium is a trace mineral that helps with asthma. Just 1 Brazil Nut can provide the full daily dose of Selenium!

Flaxseeds: Filled with Fiber

Gut Health is a lot about Fiber! The fiber in our food feed the microbiota, aids digestion, enhances nutrient absorption and manages waste. Amazingly, seeds and nuts contain a very large amount of fiber. Take Flaxseed. Just one tablespoon of flaxseed has two grams of protein but 3 grams of fiber! So if you added 2 Tbsp to your daily breakfast cereal, you are already 25% of the required fiber for the day. Hard to beat. Besides the fiber, flaxseeds are loaded with ALA (an Omega-3 fatty acid) as well as vitamin E, magnesium, and calcium. Very simple. By improving gut health, we improve immunity

Seeds make you happy

You've heard of Serotonin- the happy Hormone. Because of the high Tryptophan to total protein ratio in pumpkin (squash) seeds, sesame, and sunflower seeds, this amino acid is more easily absorbed into the brain where it is converted to serotonin. This is a powerful mood modifier with no side effects when compared to drugs used to treat depression & anxiety. Be happy. Be nutty!

Counting to 4 can ease stress

These are stressful times. Sit in a quiet corner, eyes closed, breathe in & out a few times. Now, count to 4 as you inhale, hold your breath for 4, exhale to 4. Repeat ten rounds. Put stress in its place!