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Tree
nuts are a traditional part of many ethnic cuisines and an essential raw
material for a host of food products in the chocolate, confectionery, dairy
and cereal industries. Tree nuts constitute a key element of a healthy diet
because of their rich protein, plant fiber and vitamin content and they
have been included in the Traditional Healthy Mediterranean Diet Pyramid.
Recent studies have demonstrated numerous health benefits of tree nuts arising
from their cholesterol-free nature and from the fact that their fat content
is mainly monounsaturated. 85% of the fat in nuts is unsaturated. Medical
studies indicate that nuts may help reduce the risk for heart disease and
that antioxidants and phytochemicals contained in nuts may reduce the risk
for cardiovascular disease as well as the risk for certain cancers.
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