NUTS AND SEEDS

Nuts and seeds are storehouses of energy. They contain essential fatty acids and carbohydrates, and are rich in minerals and in vitamin E. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells and nerves from aging and degeneration. As with all foods, nuts and seeds are best eaten fresh. When freshly picked nuts are unavailable, it is best to select those that are still in their shells.Hulled and shelled nuts and seeds easily become rancid, thereby losing all nutrients and becoming difficult to digest. Nuts left in their shells can be consumed up to one year after harvesting. Most nuts and seeds have warming properties. They are therefore particularly useful for treating cold-syndrome diseases and for fortifying the body in winter. As with fruits and vegetables, it is best to eat organically grown nuts and seeds. Sprayed insecticides and poisons accumulate in seeds more readily than in the stem or fruit of plants.

Almonds

Bitter and sweet (Fire and Earth), warm, Yang

Almonds, common in northern China, are one of the foods richest in calcium and phosphorus. They nourish the blood and qi, and lubricate the lungs and bronchi. Almonds and almond milk are commonly used to relieve coughs. According to tradition, almonds should be consumed to counteract the development of athlete’s foot. Almond and chrysanthemum tea alleviates headaches. Protein, 20.6 g; Fat, 52.10 g; Fiber, 4.58 g; Carbohydrate, 20.42 g; Vitamin A, 0 IU; Vitamin B1, 0.21 mg; Vitamin B2, 0.77 mg; Niacin, 3.52 mg; Vitamin C, traces; Calcium, 264 mg; Phosphorus, 520.96 mg; Iron, 3.66 mg

Caraway seeds

Slightly pungent (Metal), warm, Yang

Caraway seed stimulates the circulation of blood and qi. It affects the internal organs of digestion, in particular the stomach and kidneys. Protein, 8 g; Fat, 6 g; Fiber, –; Carbohydrate, 22 g; Vitamin A, 160 IU; Vitamin B1, 0.2 mg; Vitamin B2, 0.2 mg; Niacin, 2 mg; Vitamin C, 0 mg; Calcium, 280 mg; Phosphorus, 240 mg; Iron, 6.8 mg

Chestnuts

Sweet (Earth), warm, Yang

Chestnuts fortify Yang and nourish qi and blood. Being warm, chestnuts dissipate cold-syndrome diseases. They are used as a remedy for diarrhea,especially when due to cold. They are also often used to treat nausea. Protein, 4.22 g; Fat, 1.06 g; Fiber, 6 g; Carbohydrate, 48.93 g; Vitamin A, 200 IU; Vitamin B1, 0.18 mg; Vitamin B2, 0.18 mg; Niacin, 0.7 mg; Vitamin C, 35.2 mg; Calcium, 17.6 mg; Phosphorus, 95.04 mg; Iron, 1.41 mg

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