Nut (fruit)😋

🥜🌰 Nut ( fruit)🌰🥜

A nut is a fruit consisting of a hard or tough nutshell protecting a kernel which is usually edible. In general usage and in a culinary sense,  a wide variety of dry seeds are called nuts, but in a botanical context " nut " implies that the shell does not open to release the seeds.

Most seeds come from fruits that naturally free themselves from the shell, but this is not the case in nuts such as hazelnuts, chestnuts, and acorns,  which have hard shell walls and originate from a compound overy. The general and original usage of the term is less restrictive and many nuts ( in the culinary sense) such as almonds, pecans, pistachios, walnuts and Brazil nuts are not nuts in a botanical sence.  Common usage of the term often refers to any hard-walled, edible kernel as a nut. Nuts are on energy-dense and nutrient-rich food sourse.

Nuts contain the diverse nutrients that are needed for the growth of a new plant. Composition varies, but they tend to have a low water and carbohydrate contend, with high levels of fats, protein, dietary minerals and vitamins. The digestibility of the protein at about 90% is slightly lower than that of meat and fish,  but can be improved by thorough chewing. The fats are larglely unsaturated and nuts are a source of essential omega-3 fatty acids. As part of a healthy human diet, long-term consumption of diverse nutrients in nuts may contribute to a lower risk of cardiovascular diseased, reduced levels of blood cholesterol, and lower all-cause mortality.  For vegetarians and vegans, nuts provide many of the essential nutrients which may be in short supply in other plants foods.

Nuts supply nutrients for humans and wildlife. Because nuts generally have a high oil content, they are a significant energy source. Many seeds are edible by humans and used in cooking, eaten raw, sprouted or roasted as a snack food, ground to make nut butters, or pressed for oil that is used in cooking and cosmetics. Moderate nut consumption-about 5 ounces (140g ) per week-benefit weight control and contribute to lowering body weight in humans. 

Nuts used for food are a common source of food allergens. Reaction can range from mild symptoms to severe ones a condition known as anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. The reaction is due to the release of histamine by the body in response to an allergen in the nuts, causing sking and other possible reaction. Many experts suggest that a person with an allergy to peanuts should avoid eating tree nuts, and vice versa.