Recipes:
Almond Crusted Pork with Mango Relish
Cod with Greek Walnut Salsa
Glazed Carrots with Pecans

Are nuts high in calories and fat? Yes, they are. Are they good for you? Yes, with portion control they are. Nuts are a excellent source of plant based protein.

Just a handful (about 23) of Almonds a day may help you maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Almonds are cholesterol-free and low in saturated fat. Almonds are an excellent source of vitamin E, magnesium, manganese, and a good source of fiber, copper, phosphorous, and riboflavin. Plus, a one-ounce serving has 13 grams of good unsaturated fats, just 1 gram of saturated fat, and is always cholesterol free.

Walnuts truly are an “Original Health Nut.” Not only are walnuts the oldest tree food known to man, dating back to about 10,000 B.C., but ancient civilizations also honored walnuts for their health properties. Walnuts in particular have a unique profile: they are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which may improve blood lipids and other cardiovascular disease risk factors.

A new study on Pecans published in the January 2011 Journal of Nutrition shows again that Pecans are a healthy food and help prevent heart disease. Pecans contain antioxidant factors that are absorbed in the body and provide a protective effect against disease.