Hello and welcome to the Nutrition Diva podcast I'm your host

Monica Reinagel and today we're talking about nuts and a potential concern that many of you have written to

ask me about and then I have a nutrition diva bonus for you a look at some of the

most popular meal planning apps and what they can do to help you improve your nutrition.

So be sure to stick around for that at the end of the podcast.

Nuts are generally thought of as healthy choices. They are somewhat high in calories due to their

relatively high fat content, but these aren't just empty calories. Along with those healthy

unsaturated fats you're also getting fiber and protein, which help keep you from getting

hungry. And that could be why dieters who include nuts in their meal plans, lose more weight,

and report feeling less hungry. And in general people who eat nuts on a

regular basis are more likely to maintain a healthy weight despite those

calories. Nuts are also rich in Vitamin E which is good for your skin, heart, and brain.

They contain phytosterels, natural plant compounds that help to regulate your cholesterol levels.

And regular nut consumption is linked with a reduced risk of heart disease and other diseases.

So far the news is all good.

But several of you have written to ask me about Aspergillis or Athlletoxin in nuts and whether this is something that we need to worry about.

I can tell you that some of the scariest things you may have encountered on the internet

are probably exaggerated or taken out of context.

Nonetheless, these are not imaginary concerns.

First, let's take a minute to understand exactly what these compounds are

and where we're likely to encounter them.

Aspergilis is a type of fungus that's found in the soil and it can cause disease

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