There are 40 types of nuts known in the world, although the scientists suggest there are less than 40. A bit of the history, if we have a look into the past, we know that the ancient Geeks and Romans had quarreled about what foetus to consider as nuts. According to the biology, a nut is considered as a foetus that has hard nutshell with a kernel inside. That’s why only hazelnuts, cashew and pine nuts can be regarded as nuts. All the rest what we consider as nuts are seeds or drupes.
Since ancient times nuts were used as food and medical treatment rich with vitamins that improve immune system and help to prevent the diseases. Different types of medicine and food supplement are based on nut oil as nuts contain much fat that gives energetic value – 600-700 cal per 100g what is 3-3.5 more than value of bread , 4-6 more than meat value and 10-15 more than fruit, vegetables and berries.
Nut kernels and seeds contain 8-25% of proteins which have good balanced amino acid formulation. Nut fat gives us about 40-60% of fat acid, including linoleic and linolenic acids. Carbohydrates are mostly presented by sugars and starch. Besides that, nuts contain important amino acids that are very necessary for our body, for example arginin that is responsible for brain work, immune system stimulation and blood circulation.
Nuts are rich with micro elements as well, they contain calcium and phosphorus necessary for our bones formation and teeth strength, magnesium that improves the work of heart, zinc improves immune system, sodium that is responsible for blood pressure, etc.
Nuts are rich with A and B vitamins, fresh salt free nuts contain C vitamin. Tocopherol - E vitamin that can be found in nut fat is especially valuable for our health.
All these vitamins are reserved in nuts for a long period of time that is why the use of nuts is topical at any time and season, especially during avitaminosis.
Nuts are kept at the temperature up to +20°C and relative air humidity up to 70% during the period of 12 months. The expiration date of nuts in vacuum pack is up to 16 months.
