Snack

Sunflower Seeds: Benefits, Vitamin E and How to Eat Them Right IMPORTANT: Sunflower seeds are a healthy and safe food for most people, but a few real precautions apply. They are very high in calories and fat, so anyone watching their weight should enjoy them in moderation. Commercial salted varieties add a significant amount of sodium, which is not suitable for people with high blood pressure or kidney problems. Seeds can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals, and excessive intake may irritate the digestive tract. Cracking in-shell seeds repeatedly with the teeth can wear down tooth enamel. They also contain phytates and, if stored improperly, can develop mold (watch for a bitter or rancid taste). People with kidney disease who need to limit phosphorus, potassium or magnesium should talk to their doctor before adding them regularly to their diet. This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a doctor or nutritionist. ...

Almonds: Benefits, Nutritional Value and How to Eat Them Properly IMPORTANT: Although almonds are a healthy and safe food for most people, they must be eaten with caution by those with a tree-nut allergy (walnuts, hazelnuts, cashews), in whom they can trigger severe reactions, including anaphylactic shock. Bitter almonds contain amygdalin, a compound that the body converts into hydrocyanic acid (cyanide), and they are toxic even in small amounts — never eat raw bitter almonds. Being rich in calories and fiber, eating them in excess can cause digestive discomfort, bloating, or weight gain. People with kidney problems (oxalate stones) should moderate their intake, since almonds contain oxalates. Consult your doctor if you follow a special diet or take medications that interact with mineral absorption. ...