Melon seeds

• Seeds are viewed as being a powerhouse of various nutrients.
• These seeds are said to feature essential fatty acids that are believed to be important for maintaining a healthy heart. Melon Seeds contain high amounts of antioxidants and are viewed as an excellent source of Folic acid, calcium, magnesium, zinc and protein.
• These help in supporting both the immune and cardiovascular systems.
• They are believed to help in regulating healthy blood- fat levels and provide vital nutrients that are thought to be essential for promoting wound healing.
• The properties featured in melon seeds are believed to help sustain healthy skin, nails and nerves.

Sesame seeds

English Name: Sesame Seeds

Common Indian (Hindi) Name: Til

• Sesame is an ancient spice, one of the first recorded plants used for its seeds.
• They are tiny, flat ovals, measuring about 3 mm (1/8 in) long. Seed color can vary, though they are usually beige or creamy white when husked.
• Sesame seeds are reported to help in strengthening the heart and cardiovascular system and to be good for the nervous system.
• Sesame seeds feature lignans, which are said to be strong antioxidants.
• They are believed to be an excellent source of Omega- 3 and Omega- 6 essential fatty acids, seen as good for sustaining a healthy heart.
• They are often a great source of Calcium, iron, magnesium and Vitamin E.
• They also contain selenium which is said to help in enhancing moods.
• Non-culinary uses include its use as an ingredient in soap, cosmetics, lubricants and medicines. In southern India it is used to anoint the body and hair.

Pecans

• "Pecan" is a Native American word from the Algonquin language, which was used to describe "all nuts requiring a stone to crack."It is from the Hickory family.
• Pecans are available in a variety of sizes: mammoth, extra large, large, medium, small and midget. They are available in several forms including whole pecans, pecan halves, pieces, granules and meal.
• The buttery-rich kernel is golden-brown on the outside and beige inside.
• Pecans have a fat content of over 70 percent, which is more than any other nut.
• Pecans are a good source of protein and unsaturated fats. Pecans are rich in omega-6 fatty acids, although pecans contain about half as much omega-6 as walnuts.
• The antioxidants and plant sterols found in pecans reduce high cholesterol by reducing the "bad" LDL cholesterol levels.
• They’re a good source of potassium, thiamine, zinc, copper, magnesium, phosphorous, niacin, folic acid, iron, and vitamin B6, and also a good source of fiber.

Walnuts

English Name: Walnuts

Common Indian (Hindi) Name: Akhroat

• Walnuts are technically drupes or drupaceous nuts, and thus not true botanical nuts.
• These are one of the best plant sources of protein.
• They are rich in fiber, B vitamins, magnesium, and antioxidants such as Vitamins E.
• Nuts in general are also high in plant sterols and fat - but mostly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (omega 3 fatty acids - the good fats) that have been shown to lower LDL cholesterol.
• Walnuts, in particular, have significantly higher amounts of omega 3 fatty acids as compared to other nuts.
• More than a decade of scientific evidence shows that incorporating walnuts in a healthy diet reduces the risk of heart disease by improving blood vessel elasticity and plaque accumulation.
• Walnuts have also been shown to aid in the lowering LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) and the C-Reactive Protein (CRP). CRP was recently recognized as an independent marker and predictor of heart disease.

Chironji

English Name: Buchanania lanzan Seeds

Common Indian (Hindi) Name: Chironji / Charoli

• Chironji are tiny almond flavored dried seeds of a bush called Buchanania lanzan, which is cultivated across North West India. After the hard shell is cracked, the stubby seed within is as soft as a pine nuts.
• They are commonly used in sweets in India. However, they are also ground into powders for thickening savory sauces and flavoring batters, and stewed into rich, meaty kormas.
• Chironji seeds are used in the Ayurveda and Unani System of Medicine. According to Ayurveda, it removes biliousness, and cures blood disorders, fevers, thirst, ulcers, burning sensation of body. According to Unani system of medicine they are tonic to body and brain and useful in treatment of gleet, urinary concretions, fevers etc.

Almond

English Name: Almond

Common Indian (Hindi) Name: Badam

• Although commonly called a nut in culinary terms, the edible part of the almond is botanically not a true nut, but the seed of a drupe. The reticulated hard woody shell surrounding the edible seed is called the endocarp (inner most layer of fruit which directly surrounds the seed).
• Almonds are an excellent source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that has been shown to decrease the risk for certain forms of cancer, heart disease and cataracts. Vitamin E is also needed for healthy blood cells and tissues.
• They are also rich in monounsaturated fat, one of the two good fats responsible for lowering LDL cholesterol.
• Almonds make an important contribution to a diet adequate in folic acid, or folate. This important B-vitamin can reduce the risk for neural tube defects (birth defects) and is necessary for making red blood cells. It may also protect against heart disease and stroke.
• Almonds provide various minerals like calcium, magnesium, manganese and phosphorus; that are essential for bone health.
• In Ayurveda, an ancient system of health care that is native to the Indian subcontinent, almond is considered a nutritive for brain and nervous system. It is said to induce high intellectual level and longevity.
• The sweet almond itself contains practically no carbohydrates and may therefore be made into flour for cakes and cookies (biscuits) for low-carbohydrate diets or for patients suffering from diabetes mellitus or any other form of glycosuria.
• Recent studies have shown that the constituents of almond have anti-inflammatory, immunity boosting, and anti-hepatotoxicity effects

Coconut

English Name: Coconut

Common Indian Name (Hindi): Naariyal

• The Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera) is a member of the Family Arecaceae (palm family). The term coconut refers to the seed of the coconut palm and is simple dry nut botanically.
• The white and fleshy edible part of the coconut (‘coconut meat’) is outer part of the seed, known as albuminous cellular endosperm and is rich in fat. About 90% of the fat found in coconut meat is saturated, a proportion exceeding that of foods such as lard, butter and tallow. Coconut meat also contains less sugar and more protein than popular fruits such as bananas, apples and oranges, and is relatively high in minerals such as iron, phosphorus and zinc.
• The water which is filled in the central cavity of the tender coconuts (‘coconut water’) is inner part of the seed, known as liquid endosperm and is mild sweet in taste.
• Coconut is rich in fibre and is said to be a very good source of the vital minerals; iron, copper and magnesium.
• The oil in coconuts is enriched in medium chain fatty acids, including lauric acid. Medium chain fatty acids are believed to help the absorption of calcium, magnesium and amino acids, they may also fasten metabolism and support the thyroid function.
• Eating coconuts is considered excellent for the immune system and is reported to help fight against infections.

Cashew Nuts

English Name: Cashew Nuts

Common Indian Name (Hindi): Kaju

• The Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) belongs to family Anacardiacea.
• The true fruit of the cashew tree is a kidney shaped drupe that grows at the end of the pseudofruit, which is a modified peduncle. Within the true fruit is a single seed, the cashew nut.
• The seed is surrounded by a double shell, which contains a dermatogenic phenolic resin, anacardic acid, which irritates skin when touched.
• The cashew nut is a popular snack, and often eaten on its own, lightly salted or sugared. Cashew nuts are used in Thai cuisine and Chinese cuisine. In Indian cuisine it is often ground into sauces such as shahi korma. It is also used to garnish Indian sweets and desserts.
• Cashew nuts are said to be effective for improving vitality and are believed to be good for promoting healthy teeth and gums. They are enriched in calcium, believed to help in promoting strong and healthy bones. They have magnesium, which is known to promote the absorption of calcium.
• Cashew nuts also contain iron, magnesium, zinc and folic acid, reported to be vital for pregnant women.