THE TRADITIONAL AND EMERGING ROLE OF NUTS IN HEALTHFUL DIETS

Throughout history, nuts have been a staple food providing energy, pro tein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Today, nuts are c lassified as part of the USDA Food Guide Pyramid's Meat/Meat Alternate Group. Foods in this group contribute protein as well as important vi tamins and minerals to the diet. Nuts are also being studied for their potential health benefits. Research suggests that there may be a conn ection between frequent nut consumption and a reduced incidence of cor onary heart disease. Thus, tradition and promising scientific evidence combine to support the role of nuts in healthful eating.