Let's Get Nuts!

Sphinx Date Co. might be known for its variety of fresh locally harvested dates, but its Palm & Pantry market in Scottsdale and its online marketplace is also stocked with all kinds of unique to Arizona products — including nuts! For those that enjoy a high protein, low carb, vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, nuts are a great option for snacking and for use in all kinds of recipes. They are minimally processed and in their natural state are gluten free too. So why not go nuts over nuts?!

In addition to being tasty and filling, nuts have a number of nutritional and health benefits. Most people already know that almonds in particular are considered to be a “superfood” because they are rich in healthy fats and are a good source of protein, fiber, magnesium and vitamin E. But almonds aren’t the only nut that should be getting all the attention. 

In fact, an article on Mayo Clinic’s website touts the heart healthy benefits of yes, almonds, but also walnuts and other nuts too stating that they can help lower cholesterol “when eaten as part of a balanced diet.”

The article goes on to say that they may be good for the heart because they contain unsaturated fatty acids as well as other nutrients and adds that research even points to the fact that those “at risk of a heart attack can cut their risk by eating a healthy diet that includes nuts.” Nuts can not only lower the “bad” cholesterol and triglyceride levels (that can cause the buildup of plaque in the arteries), they can also improve the health of the arteries’ lining, lower levels of inflammation linked to heart disease and even reduce risk of developing blood clots that can lead to heart attack or death, according to the article. 

Those that want to add nuts to their healthy eating routine should look for varieties that contain unsaturated fats, Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, vitamin E, plant sterols, and L-arginine (which can help improve the health of the body’s artery walls). The good news is, most nuts naturally contain all these, so the search shouldn’t be too hard! The Mayo Clinic suggests almonds (of course), macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, pecans and even peanuts — though technically a legume, the article says they are still “relatively heart healthy.”

By the handful, made into butters to spread on toast or apple slices, chopped and used to top salads… there are so many ways to incorporate nuts into a nutritious lifestyle. Sphinx Date Co. carries a variety of bulk nuts and bags for gifting including that superfood nut, the almond, as well as pecans, pistachios, cashews, walnuts and more. So… go nuts!