Are all Nuts created equal

Michael Strahlman · 11-24-2009, 09:36 AM

I was wondering if anyone had a list of the "good" nuts and "bad" nuts to eat..I have heard that peanuts and cashews are ones you should stay away from...what about pistashshios (sp)...pecans, almonds, walnuts and whatever else is out there? Thanks.

Wayne Riddle · 11-24-2009, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Strahlman

I was wondering if anyone had a list of the "good" nuts and "bad" nuts to eat..I have heard that peanuts and cashews are ones you should stay away from...what about pistashshios (sp)...pecans, almonds, walnuts and whatever else is out there? Thanks.

Some nuts are better for you than others. I'm a fan of almonds and walnuts due to their omega-3 content. I know the book "Paleo Diet For Athletics" recommends all nuts, except for peanuts which really aren't a nut to begin with. Just eat them n moderation.

Michael Strahlman · 11-24-2009, 10:19 AM

thank you...appreciate the info

Ben Sparks · 11-24-2009, 10:29 AM

Peanuts & cashews are both technically legumes - the bean family. So despite their fat & protein content, there are certain things about them which can resemble carbs to your body. Probably sugars, but I don't know the exact science and won't pretend to.

"Tree" nuts are solidly seeds, not just the obvious almonds walnuts etc. but also pumpkin, sunflower, and so forth.

So I always just kind of stop thinking about "nuts" altogether and think of seeds vs. beans.

Of course... soybeans count (in the Zone at least) as a protein, not a carb, so there are always exceptions to every rule.

Andrew Sharp · 11-24-2009, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben Sparks

Peanuts & cashews are both technically legumes - the bean family.

Cashews are not legumes. There may be a legitimate reason to avoid them but that isn't it. A cashew is not a bean.

Mike Mallory · 11-24-2009, 11:30 AM

No matter what you use, sprout them to break down the phytates, and you'll have a much more nutritious and tastier end result.

More info on phytatesWFS

Just soak 'em in water overnight

Scott Kustes · 11-24-2009, 11:43 AM

Cashews (which are nuts) have to be heated to extract them from their shells, hence aren't technically Paleo because you can't just crack open the shell and eat them.

Rick Hardin · 11-24-2009, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott Kustes

Cashews (which are nuts) have to be heated to extract them from their shells, hence aren't technically Paleo because you can't just crack open the shell and eat them.

Wow.

People really take it that far?

Do they also not eat beef because you can't just crack the cow open and eat it?

Or is it steak tartare for everyone?

Ben Sparks · 11-24-2009, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew Sharp

Cashews are not legumes. There may be a legitimate reason to avoid them but that isn't it. A cashew is not a bean.

Cool, thanks! Thought they were just like peanuts

Laura Kurth · 11-24-2009, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Hardin

Wow.

People really take it that far?

Do they also not eat beef because you can't just crack the cow open and eat it?

Or is it steak tartare for everyone?

is paleo = raw foodism now?

sashimi & steak tartare all round!

11-24-2009, 09:36 AM	#1
Michael Strahlman Member Profile: Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Chicago IL Posts: 12	Are all Nuts created equal I was wondering if anyone had a list of the "good" nuts and "bad" nuts to eat..I have heard that peanuts and cashews are ones you should stay away from...what about pistashshios (sp)...pecans, almonds, walnuts and whatever else is out there? Thanks.

11-24-2009, 10:19 AM	#3
Michael Strahlman Member Profile: Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Chicago IL Posts: 12	Re: Are all Nuts created equal thank you...appreciate the info

11-24-2009, 10:29 AM	#4
Ben Sparks Member Profile: Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Oakland CA Posts: 256	Re: Are all Nuts created equal Peanuts & cashews are both technically legumes - the bean family. So despite their fat & protein content, there are certain things about them which can resemble carbs to your body. Probably sugars, but I don't know the exact science and won't pretend to. "Tree" nuts are solidly seeds, not just the obvious almonds walnuts etc. but also pumpkin, sunflower, and so forth. So I always just kind of stop thinking about "nuts" altogether and think of seeds vs. beans. Of course... soybeans count (in the Zone at least) as a protein, not a carb, so there are always exceptions to every rule.
	__________________ I get most of my carbs from barbecue sauce

11-24-2009, 11:30 AM	#6
Mike Mallory Member Profile: Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Denver CO Posts: 694	Re: Are all Nuts created equal No matter what you use, sprout them to break down the phytates, and you'll have a much more nutritious and tastier end result. More info on phytatesWFS Just soak 'em in water overnight
	__________________ Foam rollers suck!

11-24-2009, 11:43 AM	#7
Scott Kustes Member Profile: Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 1,258	Re: Are all Nuts created equal Cashews (which are nuts) have to be heated to extract them from their shells, hence aren't technically Paleo because you can't just crack open the shell and eat them.
	__________________ Scott Fitness Spotlight

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