Nuts - To have a healthy start.

Nuts enjoy an important place in modern diets. From prehistoric man to ancient royalty to medieval peasants to supermarket shoppers of today, nuts have been a reliable food source throughout history. A recent archeological excavation in Israel found remnants of seven types of nuts and a variety of primitive nutcrackers that scientists believe date back 780,000 years. It's easy to see nuts have been so popular through the ages. You don't have to track and kill a nut.

In fact, nuts were one of the first convenience foods; not only could they be carried, but their ability to be stored for months at a time made them great for long, harsh winters. Nuts are also rich in fat and protein, which make them filling and nourishing. And their versatility means you can eat them right out of the shell, press them for oil, or mash them to make nut butter. Most unshelled nuts will keep at room temperature for up to one year, but shelled nuts should be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator or freezer to keep them from becoming rancid. Nuts are packed with muscle-building protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Maybe you've been avoiding these tasty treats because you've heard they are high in fat. That's true, but the fats they harbour are the good-for-you mono-unsaturated and poly-unsaturated kinds. They also contain essential, heart-helping omega-3 fatty acids. Plus, because they are plant foods, nuts do not contain the cholesterol found in animal sources of protein.