BasketBox Blog

A recently released study has shown that men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer can increase their survival rates by an astounding 11%by making some simple dietary changes including adding nuts to their daily routine. The study was conducted on nearly 4,600 men who were diagnosed with non-metastatic prostate cancer. Millions of men around the world are affected by prostate cancer making this finding especially significant.

Prostate Cancer Statistics

The United States has some staggering statistics on prostate cancer rates with almost 2.5 million men currently living with the disease. Approximately another 250,000 will receive their diagnosis this year. This means that 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed sometime during their lifetime making avoiding the disease or knowing someone with it nearly impossible. Although the survival rates for non-metastatic prostate cancer are extremely high with 93% living 10 years after diagnosis and 77% living 15 years after diagnosis, any improvement in these survival rates is extremely important.

The Study

The study was led by UC San Francisco and was published in JAMA Internal Medicine online on June 10, 2013. A total of 4,577 men who were diagnosed between non-metastatic prostate cancer between the years of 1986 and 2010 were involved. The data showed that in this duration, 1,046 of the men died with 21% of these deaths being from prostate cancer, 31% from cardiovascular disease and 21% from other types of cancers. The study analyzed the participant’s intake of polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, saturated and trans fats. They additionally looked at fats eaten that came from vegetable and animal sources.

Results

The results showed that men who replaced 10% of their total daily caloric intake from carbohydrates with healthy vegetable fats saw a 29% reduction in their death rates from lethal prostate cancer. They also had a lowered risk of dying from any cause – with a 26% reduction seen in these deaths as well. Some of these healthy vegetable fats include avocados, seeds, olive oil, canola oil and nuts. A mere one ounce serving of nuts consumed everyday was shown to be correlated with an 18% lower risk of lethal prostate cancer and an overall reduction of 11% in death from any cause.

Conclusions

The lead author of the study, Erin L. Richman, ScD states, “Consumption of healthy oils and nuts increases plasma antioxidants and reduces insulin and inflammation, which may deter prostate cancer progression. The beneficial effects of unsaturated fats and harmful effects of saturated and trans fats on cardiovascular health are well known. Now our research has shown additional potential benefits of consuming unsaturated fats among men with prostate cancer.” She went on to say, “Overall, our findings support counseling men with prostate cancer to follow a heart-healthy diet in which carbohydrate calories are replaced with unsaturated oils and nuts to reduce the risk of all-cause mortality.”

While further research is definitely needed, this new study shows probable cause for further research into the relationship surrounding nuts and other vegetable sources of fat and survival rates in prostate cancer. The results seen here shown a significant and important difference that can be achieved through simply adding a small serving of nuts to one’s daily diet.

Cooking during the summer is made easier with a variety of barbecue recipes. Not only are barbecues an easy and convenient way to cook, they also keep the house from becoming overheated on hot summer afternoons. Here at BasketBox, we are nuts about nuts. Here are a couple of recipes that include our nuts as ingredients that can liven up your summer grill menu.

Grilled Flounder – Nutty Style

This recipe is easy, delicious and packed full of essential vitamins and nutrients. With only a few ingredients and 15 minutes on the grill, this recipe will have your guests and family begging for more! Make sure to order your nuts online from BasketBox to ensure that the bulk nuts are fresh and high quality.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of finely chopped BasketBox peanuts, almonds, walnuts or pecans
• ½ cup of melted margarine or butter
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 ½ lbs of flounder fillets

Directions:

Make sure to preheat the grill to a medium-high temperature to ensure that it is warmed up before putting the fish on to grill. Combine the salt, cayenne pepper and nuts of your choice in a medium sized bowl. After rinsing the flounder with cold water, pat the fillets dry with a clean paper towel. Dip the flounder into the melted butter and then into the nut mixture bowl. Make sure each fillet is completely covered with the coating mixture. Spray a grill basket with a non-stick vegetable spray and place the coated fish inside. Turn the basket occasionally while grilling for five to seven minutes. The fish should flake easily with a fork when it is ready to be served.

Grilled Vegetables – Nutty Style

Looking for a grilled side dish that will offer the great taste and nutrition of nuts? Look no further! These grilled veggies have a delicious and crunchy nutty coating that BasketBox can provide some of the ingredients for delivered right to your door. These would be a great addition to the nutty grilled flounder recipe found above and make for a delicious, well rounded meal as well.

Ingredients:

• 3 peppers of various colors with their seeds removed
• 1 large zucchini
• Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp of your favorite chopped fresh herbs such as sage, basil, parsley and oregano
• 3 large peeled carrots
• 8 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Topping Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp chopped garlic
• 2 oz (50 grams) breadcrumbs
• 2 oz (50 grams) of your favorite BasketBox nuts (peanuts, walnuts, pecans or almonds work well)

Directions:

Preheat the grill to a medium-high temperature. Slice the vegetables into large chunks and brush with 5 tbsp of the extra virgin olive oil mixed with the herbs. Grill the veggies for 6 – 10 minutes while turning them occasionally. Keep brushing the vegetables with oil and cook until tender. Remove the cooked vegetables from the grill and lay them on a plate. Drizzle the remainder of the olive oil mixture over the top. Heat the topping’s olive oil in a frying pan. Add the garlic, breadcrumbs and BasketBox nuts. Stir the mixture over a medium heat until it becomes crispy and golden. Pour this topping over the vegetables for a delicious and nutty twist on grilled veggies.

Ordering nuts online from BasketBox such as pecans, walnuts, peanuts and walnuts will ensure that you have the ingredients you need on hand for all your summer bbq recipes. Stay tuned to this blog for more great recipes using our nuts!

Whether you are shopping for your father, a special uncle, your husband, your father-in-law or someone else important to you, we have a range of gifts that he will be sure to love and use regularly. Browse through our assortment of themed gift basketboxes or our range of accessories to check on everyone on your Father’s Day shopping list.

Father’s Day

This special day comes only once a year and allows people to acknowledge special role models in their lives. Regardless of who the person is that you wish to give a gift to this June, it is a great idea to skip present ideas that have been done to death. Gifts such as ties, dress shirts and number one Dad t-shirts are traditional favorites for kids of all ages to give to their fathers on this special day. However, he probably has a large number of these sorts of things already taking up valuable closet space. A more useable gift is often very appreciated on occasions like this. If you are worried that giving a consumable gift will leave no memories behind, check out the selection of accessory products as well as online nuts available to order.

Accessories

Those with a love of nature will really enjoy receiving the black bear statue holding the crackled glass bowl. The bowl has a 5 inch diameter making it a perfect size to hold several snack size servings of any type of nut. This purchase comes with a free order of nuts and allows you to choose from roasted almonds, mixed nuts, roasted Georgia pecans or roasted unsalted walnuts. Another useful accessory available at the BasketBox site is the hammered steel nut bowl. The clean lines and modern look of this bowl offer a manly feel. It is dishwasher safe and comes with the same selection of nuts sent free with the order. Dried fruit would also work very well in this bowl.

Theme Box

Guys that love milk chocolate will love receiving one of BasketBox’s theme boxes. If they are movie aficionados, order the “Hollywood” themed box. The gold, silver and black colors evoke the feeling of old Hollywood movies in the box. This box contains an assortment of sweets to show that special someone how much you have appreciated their love, support and guidance over the years. It contains a range of nuts and dried fruit covered in delicious milk chocolate coating including cherries, cashews, macadamias and peanuts. Other themes available include “Stars and Stripes” for those associated with the military or who are very patriotic, “Celebrate” with balloons for a more generic theme or “Thank-You” to show appreciation.

Regardless of what option you choose as a gift for the man in your life, he will be sure to appreciate the thought when you order nuts online or dried fruit. The range of gifts and accessories at BasketBox provides an option for everyone. Even better, they can ship the gift straight to the recipient making it an easy option for those with loved ones who live far away. Happy Father’s Day to everyone and make sure to show your love and appreciation for everything Dad has done.

With the countdown to summer officially started by kids everywhere, parents are again reminded of the importance of having healthy and delicious snacks on hand at all times. BasketBox makes it easy to keep the pantry fully stocked with an assortment of different nuts – even for households that have teenagers constantly munching on snacks all summer long.

Monthly Auto Delivery

BasketBox has an ingenious automatic delivery system that allows customers to have nuts shipped directly to them on a monthly basis. These one pound bags of nuts show up whether you remember them or not. With summer camps, work, day care, summer school, play dates, vacations and outdoor play, the long months of summer can be an extremely busy time. Having healthy, delicious and ready to eat snacks is a breeze when you sign up for the monthly auto delivery subscription services. There will be one less thing for you to do when you order these nuts online.

Auto Delivery Choices

BasketBox has four different nuts that customers can choose to have delivered directly to their doors including roasted salted pistachios, unsalted roasted macadamias, unsalted roasted cashews and unsalted roasted California almonds. These are some of the most popular nut varieties available in the marketplace and can be ordered to arrive each and every single month. This subscription service can be cancelled at any time making the choice to subscribe an easy and risk free one.

What Does a Subscription Include?

Each new subscription comes with a free gift of a healthy steps portion control nut bowl. These bowls make it easy to measure out one and two ounce servings of nuts. They also come with a scoop that can be used to fill the bowl up. The scoop also snaps onto the top of the bowl to make it a convenient take along container that makes it easier to avoid over eating. With obesity becoming a huge problem across the country, sensible portion sizes are becoming increasingly important. These healthy steps portion control nut bowls make packing for a day at the zoo, a picnic or even just a trip to the mall a breeze. This food safe plastic bowl is also resistant to breakage and dishwasher safe.

Stay Fresh Packaging

Each one pound monthly delivery includes your nut choices sealed in a resealable pouch for convenient storage. These sealed pouches also keep the nuts fresh and prevents them from taking on a stale flavor. Of course, it is unlikely your family members will leave these nutritious and easy to pack snacks alone long enough for them to become stale anyways!

Summer is coming and the kids will again be out of school for the next several weeks. Not only is it difficult to keep kids busy (and out of trouble) over summer break, it can also be difficult to keep them eating healthy snacks. With the monthly subscription service available from BasketBox, you will have one less thing to worry about because the nutritious and easy to eat snacks will arrive right to your door ready for the family’s snacking pleasure.

The saying “you are what you eat” is more than a myth. Everything that you consume literally becomes a part of you – the good stuff and the bad. The human body’s largest organ is the skin and the diet a person eats is reflected in the skin’s appearance. Your skin’s condition can be greatly improved by making some changes to your diet to include a variety of nuts and dried fruit.

Dried Apples

Dried apples have a variety of benefits for the skin. Not only are they a great source of dietary fiber that helps to remove toxins from the body, they also contain a variety of phytonutrients. These naturally occurring plant components provide nutrition and act as antioxidants which help to get rid of free radicals. Free radicals cause damage to healthy skin and organs that can lead to premature aging, damage and even cancer. This variety of dried fruit can be added to baking or eaten all on its own to help get a beautiful complexion.

Dried Cherries

Cherries have been referred to as superfruits that are packed with high levels of antioxidants, folic acid, beta-carotene and fiber. Dried cherries are also a rich source of Vitamin C which is crucial for the skin’s collagen that helps skin to retain its elasticity over time. High levels of collagen can help to prevent signs of premature aging such as sagging or wrinkled skin. Beta-carotenes are essential to help protect the skin from sun damage. Sun damage can lead to skin cancer, age spots, dried out and wrinkled skin. Adding this dried fruit to your diet will be as beneficial for your skin as it is delicious.

Bulk Almonds

Adding bulk almonds to your diet means that you will be adding fiber, protein and a substantial amount of essential fatty acids. The fiber will help to remove toxins from the body (and the skin) promoting reduced blood pressure, a healthy heart and a clearer complexion. These bulk nuts also have natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help people who suffer with a variety of skin disorders such as eczema, acne and psoriasis. Order these bulk nuts online to have them on hand at all times for snacks and recipes.

Bulk Walnuts

Walnuts are packed with thiamin, riboflavin, protein, healthy Omega-3 fats, Vitamin B6, Vitamin K and Vitamin E. This combination of nutrients has been shown to be especially effective in helping to prevent depression, mood disorders and stress. Stress and mood issues often play a huge role in the appearance of the skin. Fine lines around the eyes and mouth especially can worsen with increased levels of stress. These bulk nuts are especially delicious in baking, salads, chicken recipes and breads making them easy to add to your diet.

The upcoming summer season has people becoming more concerned about their skin with shorter hemlines and more hours spent socializing. Get a head start on having a glowing complexion by increasing your consumption of bulk nuts and dried fruit. The results of a better diet can be seen in as little as a few short weeks.

Bikini season is coming faster than many could care to admit. Research has shown that a wide variety of nuts can be part of a healthy diet that is rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Losing weight does not have to mean that you deprive yourself of everything you love to snack on. What it really means is that you have to make better choices and watch your portion size if you want to fit into that teeny weeny bikini this summer.

Bulk Peanuts

One ounce of bulk peanuts contains 11.7 grams of fiber. Fiber is critical for weight loss because it helps you to feel full sooner. This means that you can eat less without feeling like you are starving. Additionally, fiber moves quickly through the system leaving little time for fat and calories to be absorbed. It also helps to remove other toxins and promotes regular bowel movements. While a one ounce serving of peanuts contains 14 grams of fat, it is nearly all “good” fat – unsaturated fats that are an essential part of our diet. Purchasing these nuts online can make it easy to lose weight for the summer by having a healthy and slimming snack ready to go at all times.

Bulk Almonds

One ounce of almonds contains 6 grams of protein which makes this a great alternative to protein sources such as red meat that will not aid with your weight loss. This serving size contains 14 grams of fat but 12.9 grams of this fat is made up of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that help to reduce total cholesterol levels and raise the good levels of cholesterol known as HDL. While being low in carbohydrates, bulk almonds are also high in fiber coming in at 3.3 grams. While they are not as fiber rich as peanuts, they still contain a healthy dose that will have you feeling slimmer and trimmer in your summer two piece.

Macadamia Nuts

Like many other bulk nuts, macadamia nuts have a number of heart benefits that can help to reduce cholesterol levels. A one ounce serving of these nuts contain 2.3 grams of fiber which makes them a good source of this essential part of the weight loss diet. This serving size also contains an incredible 16.8 grams of monounsaturated fats which helps to reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease. Combining a diet including macadamia nuts as well as other bulk nuts with exercise can lead to a slimmer, trimmer and more heart-healthy version of you that will be ready to hit the beach.

Pecans

When it comes to fiber, bulk pecans are an extremely high source at 10.4 grams in every one ounce serving. Just one ounce of these bulk nuts contains roughly 10% of your recommended daily intake of fiber. Many sources of fiber tend to be calorie laden but that is not the case with pecans. One ounce contains less than 200 calories making them as easy on the waistline as they are on the digestive system. Try adding pecans to diet friendly salads for a great source of both fiber and protein.

Losing weight for the summer doesn’t mean that you have to feel hungry all the time. Order some of these nuts online from BasketBox to have a variety of bikini-friendly snacks on hand at all times.

Mother’s Day is just around the corner leaving many wondering what exactly they should get one of the most important women in their lives. Whether you are buying for your mother, your mother-in-law, your wife, an aunt or a special woman in your life, BasketBox has a great assortment of gifts that they will definitely love. Better still, they just might share a bite or two with you!

Clutter

One of the most aggravating things for nearly any mother is household clutter. Dried fruit and nuts make the perfect gift because they leave absolutely no clutter behind. These products are so delicious that not even a crumb will be leftover! If you are considering purchasing from our great selection of Gourmet gift baskets, they produce no clutter either. The boxes are completely reusable and can even help to organize any clutter that may already exist. The nested boxes, angle boxes and tray boxes are especially useful around the home to help contain stay items and papers.

Baking

Another great idea that moms are sure to love is something that you have made yourself. Try ordering bulk almonds or macadamia nuts to use as an ingredient in some fabulous home baking projects for mother’s day. Whether you make cookies, banana bread or some other yummy and nutty baking project, your mom will surely be surprised and delighted at the thought and effort that went into making something meant just for her. Order your nuts online to cut down on the errands that need to be run. This is a great project to involve kids in too as they can easily help with pouring and stirring ingredients even if they are still quite little.

Themed Baskets

BasketBox is a unique online vendor because they offer themed Gourmet gift baskets with a range of products including bulk mixed nuts, bulk peanuts, roasted cashews, chocolate covered peanuts, bulk almonds and even more varieties of nuts in bulk. Shoppers can choose from a huge range of patterns and styles of boxes to suit their recipient’s personal style, taste, interior decor and personality. Movie aficionados may love our Hollywood style themed gift boxes while those with loved ones serving in the military may prefer our patriotic stars and stripes themed gift box instead. If you want to thank your mom for everything she has done, check out our Thank-You themed box.

Convenience

If your mom or whoever you want to give a gift to lives out of town, BasketBox offers the ultimate in convenience. You can shop for your gift nuts online and have them delivered directly to her! Whether you think she would like dried fruit, bulk mixed nuts, Gourmet gift baskets or nuts in bulk, her gift is just a few clicks away from being delivered. We leave the hard part of choosing up to you!

Mother’s Day is a special day meant to show the women in our lives how much we appreciate them. Whether you purchase our products as a special ingredient for a homemade gift or as a completely ready to go gift, she will appreciate the thought that went into choosing something just for her to make her day.

Spring is finally arriving this year and with it comes the need for new spring recipes that take into account the warmer weather. Many people don't want to warm up their houses in the warm spring and summer months by turning on their ovens. Luckily, there are many recipes that take advantage of the fresh produce that is seasonally available and takes into account the reclutance to turn on the oven.

Protein Packed Nuts

Whether you are a vegetarian, an eco-enthusiast or simply trying to eat better, nuts can be a great substitute for meat sources of protein. They are especially great on salads where they can simply be tossed in to deliver the essential nutrients and protein required throughout the day. Although nuts are high in fats, they are high in the good fats that the body needs -- unsaturated fats. If you are worried about adding these fats to your diet, it is good to keep in mind that studies have shown those who snack on nuts regularly actually have a lower BMI (body mass index) than those who don't.

Mixed Berry Salad with Nuts

This salad combines fresh blueberries, strawberries and a variety of cheeses to create the ultimate in fresh spring eating.

Ingredients:

1 pint fresh blueberries

1 pint fresh strawberries

10 oz. fresh salad greens -- try romaine, iceberg and spinach mixes

1/4 cup of blue cheese

1/4 cup of gorgonzola

1/4 cup walnuts, pistachios or almonds

Mix all of the above ingredients together and serve well chilled. This salad can be served with or without dressing. Some dressings that are delicious with this recipe are raspberry vinaigrette or even balsmaic vinegar and oil dressings.

Watermelon Walnut Salad

This fresh, nutty salad uses toasted walnuts to complement the juicy bite sized pieces of watermelon for a spring taste sensation that is hard to beat.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup of walnuts

2 cups of fresh spinach

8 fresh basil leaves finely chopped

1/2 small watermelon cut into bite sized cubes or triangles

1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon of sumac

1/2 teaspoon of coarse sea salt

1 sprinkle of freshly ground coarse black pepper (to taste)

1/2 cup of ricotta salata or feta depending on preference

Place spinach into a mid sized serving bowl and top with watermelon and ricotta or feta. Add the basil next followed by the salt and pepper. All three of these ingredients can have the amount varied to your taste. Top this mixture with the sumac and walnuts. Drizzle the olive oil over the top and serve immediately for the freshest taste. This salad is wonderfully complemented by fresh warm bread and white wine.

Work with the fresh fruits and vegetables available each season to ensure that your diet is rich in variety. Order a selection of nuts online to have on hand at all times to add necessary proteins and beneficial fats to your diet without adding any meat. Nuts make a great addition to a number of different recipes that can be made throughout the year. Stay tuned to this blog for more healthy recipes featuring the nuts available at BasketBox.

Earth Day is an internationally recognized celebration that occurs annually on April 22. This global movement happens in nearly 200 different countries on a global scale and has been celebrated since 1970. In recognition of the upcoming Earth Day, here’s some information on why nuts are not only good for people, they are good for the planet as well.

Nut Shells

Typically, the shell of the nut is nothing more than waste. However, people are now finding new uses for the waste product of nuts by using the shells themselves as well as the meat of the nut that is eaten. Nut shells can have many uses including being used as an exfoliant in face and body washes, being used in garden mulch products, they can be composted, shells can be used in various crafts including Christmas ornaments, noise makers and even jewelery. When the shell is used too, nuts become a much more environmentally conscious food source because it lowers the impact that they have on the planet. Looking at waste as an opportunity for repurposing can help to make the world cleaner and greener.

Sourcing

Where a nut is grown can have a big impact on how eco-friendly it is. Here at BasketBox, special care is taken to choose nuts that are locally grown, if possible. Our range of peanuts and pecans are grown in the United States to help reduce their environmental footprint and make them a more sustainable product. Our macadamia nuts come from Hawaii which also helps to greatly reduce the resources needed to ship them. Other nuts such as Brazil nuts and cashews cannot be grown in our climate but are shipped in the most efficient manner possible without any unnecessary packing materials included in shipments.

Macadamia Nuts

For every pound of macadamia nut meat harvested from the macadamia tree, one pound of carbon is removed from the air according to research. The tree converts 63 cubic feet of carbon dioxide and releases up to 55 gallons of water vapor into the atmosphere each and every day. This is because of the broad leaves found on the macadamia tree that allow for a great surface area for photosynthesis to occur. This tree may be an especially good choice in areas that are undergoing reforestation because they are economically favorable, provide a source of high protein food and can be used as firewood for cooking. Pine trees are typically used in reforestation but are not nearly as Earth friendly as these trees. 

Brazil Nuts

While Brazil nuts are unable to be grown locally, they are still considered to be an eco-friendly food source. These extremely popular nuts play a huge role in local and international markets and have helped to conserve areas of the Amazon rainforest. This is because the trees only produce nuts when they are part of a healthy rainforest ecosystem. The trees themselves have a lifespan much longer than the earth’s human inhabitants – several hundred years old is not an uncommon amount of time for these trees to continue growing. Areas with dense populations of Brazil nut trees are often given to harvesters as concessions by the Peruvian forest service and allow families to become self-sufficient and protect millions of acres of rainforest from deforestation.

This Earth day, eat nuts as a snack knowing that this meat-free source of protein helps the planet in many different ways. Whether the nuts are locally grown, part of a reforestation project, organic, naturally water efficient or have shells used to make other things, they may be part of what keeps our planet green for generations to come.

With an aging population, brain health and memory are becoming more important issues. Much research has been done into what foods can help people to maintain and even improve their memories. One of the foods that came out on top of this list of brain foods are nuts.

Walnuts

Walnuts have been shown to be highly correlated with improved working memory as well as the application and use of information. Since walnuts, like most other nuts, are high in fats and calories, it's important not to go overboard on adding them to your diet. Eating an ounce or so of these delicious nuts will provide the ideal amount of healthy proteins, polyunsaturated fats (the food fats that protect heart health and reduce cholesterol), antioxidants that help counteract age-related brain decline and reduce the risk of a variety of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. Purchase these nuts online to make sure that the pantry is always stocked up.

Almonds

Increasing your daily intake of vitamin E has been shown in many studies to be related to less age-related cognitive decline. Almonds contain one of the highest concentrated sources of vitamin E available and are easy to add to a daily diet. A mere 1/4 cup of almonds has almost half of the recommended daily intake for vitamin E. Another nut that is packed with this essential vitamin for brain health is hazelnuts. Try adding hazelnuts and almonds to your diet on a regular basis to improve your brain health and function. These nuts are both easy to add to baking recipes or can be added to salads to help amp up the nutritional value.

Peanuts

Instead of vitamin E, peanuts are packed with another essential brain health ingredient -- niacin. Studies have linked higher levels of niacin to lower incidence rates of age-related cognitive decline as well as neurodegenerative diseases including both Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's. Approximately 1/2 cup of peanuts includes 50% of an adult's recommended daily intake of niacin. Peanuts are also an especially handy source of niacin because they are so easy to eat with options such as peanut butter, mixing peanuts into baking or eating them all on their own. Purchase these nuts online in bulk to make sure that they are always readily available to family members.

Other Nuts

Other nuts have been mentioned in various articles as also being good for overall brain function. Pistachios and macadamia nuts are both associated with brain health and improved memory capabilities. More studies need to be done on these particular varieties of nuts to see the specific variables that are responsible for their improvements in brain health. Pecans, chestnuts and cashews are also mentioned regularly in association with their brain health benefits. Perhaps mixed nuts would be especially useful in promoting brain health and improved memory.

Nearly everyone forgets things from time to time. Recent scientific research has shown us that we don't just have to settle with this decreased memory and cognitive ability. Instead, there are specific things that can be done to help regain those lost thoughts. One of the easiest ways to improve memory is to make specific changes to the diet to include brain boosting nuts such as walnuts, almonds and peanuts.

If you are interested in giving a gift that goes beyond the traditional basket of fruit or bouquet of flowers, a basket filled with delicious and nutritious nuts and dried fruits may be the perfect option. In fact, you can order a basket filled with dried fruit, macadamia nuts and other nuts online, making your gift shopping task simpler than ever.

Macadamia Nuts

Although macadamia nuts have earned a bad reputation for being high in fat, it is important to consider that 80% of this fat content is of the monounsaturated variety—or the kind that is actually good for you. It helps in lowering cholesterol, which in turn reduces the risk of heart attack or stroke. Macadamia nuts also contain palmitoleic acid, a substance that speeds up the body’s metabolism and decreases the amount of fat that is stored.

Cashews

Cashews also contain the monounsaturated fats that are so good for the body, and they are naturally cholesterol free. They are high in copper content which is vital for the production of energy and increased flexibility in joints as well as blood vessels. Since these nuts are also high in antioxidants, they help to flush free radicals from the body, which are molecules that are known to be carcinogenic.

Dried Cherries

Dried cherries not only taste fantastic, but they pack a healthy kick, as well. These tart and sweet chewy treats may help prevent and even treat metabolic syndrome, which is a condition that is commonly associated with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Dried cherries have also been known to help people get a better night’s rest, and they may even help prevent various types of gastrointestinal cancers.

Dried Bananas

Dried bananas are one of the best crunchy snacks on the market today. They are low in sodium but very high in potassium, so they can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure and related disorders. They are high in magnesium, which is vital for relieving fatigue and relaxing muscles. Finally, these snacks are filled with soluble fibers which are great for intestinal and digestive health.

Almonds

Almonds are extremely rich in flavonoids, which are substances that may help prevent certain types of cancers—especially breast cancer. They are known to help lower blood pressure, aid in weight loss, reduce the effects of coronary artery disease, and even increase the libido. They also aid in the creation of new blood cells and stimulate all of the body’s organs to function properly.

Pistachios

Pistachios are becoming more and more popular as a snack, and they are a wonderful addition to any basket. These green nuts contain carotenoids, which are important for eye health. Since pistachios have been shown to stabilize blood sugar levels, they are great options for people living with diabetes. Pistachios are a great source of vegetable protein, high in monounsaturated fats, and contain more fiber than most other nut varieties.

Now that you are aware of how healthy all of these tasty treats really are, consider ordering a basket of dried fruit and nuts online as a gift for yourself or a loved one. Not only will you be tantalizing their taste buds, but you will also be providing one of the most precious gifts of all—improved health. 

When it comes to bulk nuts, BasketBox has one of the best selections of nuts online. They have a variety of sizes available to be ordered, as well as including a new 5 lb bag size of nuts in bulk. Some of the kinds of nuts that they offer include bulk almonds, bulk peanuts, bulk mixed nuts and macadamia nuts.

Bulk Almonds

Almonds are one of the most popular kinds of bulk nuts available for sale. They contain a range of essential nutrients including dietary fiber, protein, vitamin E, B vitamins, monounsaturated fat, essential minerals and phytosterols. These nuts can help to lower LDL cholesterol which is the “bad” cholesterol. Some of the other health benefits of consuming these healthy and delicious nuts in bulk include a decreased risk of heart disease, a clearer complexion and even a lower risk of cancer.

Bulk Peanuts

Peanuts are one of the most readily available nuts in bulk. Purchasing these nuts online in bulk not only assures that you are getting a great price, it also means that the nuts will be fresh and high quality. Bulk peanuts have a variety of health benefits including a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, lower risk of cancer – especially colon cancer, prevents gall stones, lower risk of weight gain, lowers occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease and age-related cognitive design. Peanuts are packed with essential nutrients including monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, niacin, folate, manganese, protein, resveratrol and antioxidants that are crucial for good health.

Macadamia Nuts

Although macadamia nuts are high in fat, approximately 80% of this fat is monounsaturated. It helps to lower your overall cholesterol by decreasing the “bad” levels of cholesterol and raising the “good” (HDL) levels of cholesterol. Additionally, these bulk nuts contain iron, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin E, omega-3, palmitoleic acid, thiamine, vitamin A and are a great source of fiber. Some of the health benefits of these nuts in bulk include increasing metabolism, helping to burn fat more quickly, reducing appetite, skin health, nervous system health, reduces risk of heart disease and reduces risk of cancer. The omega-3 in these nuts can help with migraines, menstrual cramps, arthritis and depression.

Bulk Mixed Nuts

When purchasing nuts online, it is always good to see what nuts are contained in bulk mixed nut mixtures. BasketBox’s mixture includes pecans, brazil nuts, almonds, cashews and filberts. Not only are these bulk nuts delicious, they are also packed with nutrition that can help to fight a number of health problems and promote optimal well-being. Pecans have monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, ellagic acid, calcium, potassium and more. Brazil nuts are packed with selenium, unsaturated fats, protein and iron. Cashews have a lower fat content than many nuts and also contain copper, phosphorus, tryptophan and other essential nutrients.

Many people think that including nuts in their regular diet will cause them to gain weight. Recent studies have shown these fears to be unfounded. Another misconception with nuts is that they are expensive to purchase on a regular basis. Purchasing these nuts online in bulk nuts varieties will help to keep costs low while also being more convenient, as the products chosen are delivered right to the door.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics sponsors National Nutrition Month each year to draw attention to the importance of making healthy food choices. With so many people struggling to reach and maintain a healthy weight, it is vital to promote awareness of what foods make up a healthy diet which is scientifically based on nutrition information. 

When it comes to bulk nuts, research has shown that nuts are not linked with obesity. In fact, buying nuts online to keep on hand can be an easy way to make sure that family members get a well-balanced diet. Bulk dried fruit is also an essential part of the diet that contains many essential vitamins and nutrients.

Bulk nuts and bulk dried fruit make excellent snacks that can easily be transported in lunches, backpacks and briefcases. Purchasing dried fruit and nuts online to keep the pantry stocked is a much better healthy food choice than other go-to snack foods such as potato chips and chocolate bars. During National Nutrition month, encourage your household to make better choices when it comes to their diet by having healthy and convenient options within reach.

Brazil nuts are large nuts that grow on trees throughout the Amazon. They are often included in nut mixes because of the many nutritional and health benefits. They are dense in both calories and fat but contain some of the most beneficial nutrients that your body needs to function and repair itself. Eating these bulk nuts can allow you to have a nutritious and delicious snack food.

Selenium

Selenium is a nutrient that the body cannot produce on its own and must be obtained through water and food. It boosts the activity of antioxidants and increases the function of Vitamin E within the body. Brazil nuts are extremely high in selenium content with 100% of the daily recommended intake being contained in just one nut. A one ounce serving, approximately 6 nuts, contains as much as 536.8 mg or 766% or the daily recommended intake of selenium. These high levels of selenium in the nuts are associated with:

• Proper thyroid gland function
• A boost to the immune system
• Encourages the production of glutathione which protects against free radical damage
• Prevents blood clotting
• Helps protect from heart disease
• Aids in protection against cancers including breast and prostate cancer

Monounsaturated Fats and Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Brazil nuts are full of fats – low levels of saturated fats and very high levels of monounsaturated fats. This makes it important to only consume one serving each day to keep caloric intake under control and maintain a suitable body weight. These bulk nuts contain high amounts of omega-6 fatty acids which help to protect against heart disease. Brazil nuts are also packed with both palmitoleic acid and oleic acid which help to increase the good cholesterol and reduce bad cholesterol levels. These nutrients help to prevent coronary heart diseases, heart attacks and strokes.

Other Benefits of Brazil Nuts

These nuts contain a number of other nutrients that offer a range of health benefits including:

• The amino acid methionine which helps prevent the symptoms and signs of premature aging as well as helping to prevent chronic illnesses
• These bulk nuts are good sources of complete proteins that contain all of the essential amino acids for growth, development and muscle tissue repair
• A serving of these nuts contains 27% of the recommended daily intake for magnesium which helps to absorb energy from food, produce protein and helps the muscles function
• A serving of these nuts also contains 25% of the required intake for copper which helps promote thyroid function, maintains bone and connective tissue health, helps the body use iron, supports the production of melanin, as well as protects and repairs tissues
• Twenty percent of the recommended daily intake of phosphorus is also provided by these nuts which helps with teeth and bone health
• Also provided with these bulk nuts are vitamin E, potassium, riboflavin, manganese, zinc, calcium, thiamin, B-complex group vitamins and iron

Purchasing these nuts in bulk can ensure that there is always a convenient supply of them in the house. Although they must be eaten in moderation, these nuts include many of the important nutrients that are required for optimal levels of health. Purchasing these nuts online allows people to experience the convenience of online shopping while providing healthy nuts as snacks that the whole family will love.

BasketBox has added several new options to their new and improved web site www.BasketBox.com. The updated website is user friendly and very pleasing to the eye with a home page that displays the most popular sweet dried fruit and roasted and chocolate nuts. “We have designed our website to be fun, easy to use and a one stop online marketplace to send a tasteful unique gift,” states Emmanuel Sullivan, Founder BasketBox.

Lower down on the homepage are direct links to social media sites including Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, Pinterest and Tumblr where you are welcome to friend, like, follow or message with interest. As well as a blog page with several posts on a variety of topics including the origin of different nuts and dried fruit, numerous delicious recipes, several decorating tips for dried fruit and mixed nuts and gift ideas; all comments and suggestions are welcome here too. There is also a quick subscription box to sign up for the BasketBox newsletter which includes a free sample of mixed nuts for a limited time only. The newsletter provides news, gift promotions and the latest deals.

Auto delivery is a monthly subscription that is new to BasketBox with your choice of one (1) pound of lightly salted roasted pistachios; unsalted roasted macadamias, cashews or almonds delivered in a resealable pouch for easy storage and freshness. With this bulk item you are able to snack on your selected nut, share, add to yogurt or ice cream and cook in dinner meals.

The assortment of diversified gifts include all shapes, sizes that would be a big hit for any occasion, holiday or celebration including minis, totes, angles, themes, trays or nested boxes. However, the choices do not end there. BasketBox now offers distinctive selection of accessories such as bowls and scoops that can be included in your order, making your gift more exclusive with every choice.

If you have a hard time choosing your favorite items, then simply add them to your wish list or send a gift certificate and allow your recipient to pick what they want! “Whether you are surfing our site to look around, make a purchase or redeem your gift certificate, www.BasketBox.com is easy to use and has several ideas that will make you happy you made the visit,” remarks Emmanuel Sullivan.

To promote the new BasketBox.com website with additions of bulk shipping, subscription service and accessories, all orders will come with a complimentary gift.

Walnuts are the oldest tree food known to man, dating back to 7000 B.C. The English Walnut and the Black Walnut are the two most common varieties of walnuts grown for their seeds. The English Walnut (Juglans regia or Jupiter’s royal acorn) originated in Persia, where it was reserved for royalty and the Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) is native to eastern North America. The North American walnuts were first cultivated in California by the Franciscan Fathers in the late 1700s. By the 1870s modern walnut production had begun with orchard plantings in southern Santa Barbara County, California.

The United States is the world's largest exporter of walnut seeds. Walnut seeds are a high density source of nutrients, particularly proteins and essential fatty acids. They are enclosed in a green, leathery, fleshy inedible husk. Once removed, the husk reveals the wrinkly walnut shell, which is in two halves. This shell is hard and encloses the kernel, which is also made up of two halves separated by a partition. The seed kernels are available as shelled or roasted. "Walnuts rank above peanuts, almonds, pecans, pistachios and other nuts," said Joe Vinson, Ph.D., who did the analysis. "A handful of walnuts contains almost twice as much antioxidants as an equivalent amount of any other commonly consumed nut. Enjoy the flavorful and crunchy health benefits of walnuts!

The New Year brings great hope and wonderful expectations. If your resolution is to improve your diet, make healthier meal choices or weight loss, make sure to incorporate dry fruits and mixed nuts as a vital part of your meal plan, which would give better results and compliance
than those that don’t.

First write down your goal, and share with someone you trust for accountability, take small steps, add flavor and keep it fun! Dried fruits like apples, apricots, cherries and sun-dried tomatoes offer healthier alternatives to refined sugar, and they are an excellent way to satisfy a sweet craving. While also providing higher levels of antioxidants, betacarotene, folic acid, fiber, iron, vitamins A and C. Healthy nuts such as almonds, pecans and walnuts are also great sources of protein, minerals and other life-enhancing nutrients. They will keep you full longer throughout the day with the satiety or “filling” value containing protein, fiber, healthy fats and will add a boost to daily nutrient intake.

Dried fruits and mixed nuts are so healthful, delicious and versatile. You can use them in sweet and savory breakfast and snacks such as dips, cereal, yogurt, oatmeal and trail mixes. They add to a variety of entree dishes like salads, veggies, rice, stuffing, breads, pastas and all types of desserts. There are so many choices. For great ideas on indulging your appetite while maintaining your waistline and wallet check out our Pinterest boards: http://pinterest.com/basketbox/

The pecan tree is a large deciduous tree native to south-central North America and Mexico. It is a species of hickory genus, the pecan is a not truly a nut be a drupe or fruit with a single pit surrounded by a husk. The tree usually ranges in height from 70 to 100 feet, but some trees grow as tall as 150 feet or higher. They also may live and bear edible seeds with over 1,000 varieties for more than 300 years.

Pecans come in a variety of sizes – mammoth, extra large, large, medium, small and midget. They also come in several forms including whole pecans, pecan halves, pieces, granules and meal. Pecans provide nearly 10 percent of the recommended Daily Value for zinc. The seeds of the pecan are edible, with a rich, buttery flavor. They can be eaten fresh or used in cooking, particularly in sweet common desserts like pecan pie or praline candy.

In addition to the pecan seed, the wood is also used in making furniture and wood flooring as well as flavoring fuel for smoked meats. Pecans were one of the most recently domesticated major crops. Although wild pecans were well-known among the colonial Americans as a delicacy, the commercial growing of pecans in the United States did not begin until the 1880s.

Today, the U.S. produces about 80 percent of the world’s pecan crop, with an annual crop of 150–200 thousand tons from more than 10 million trees. The nut harvest for growers is typically around mid-October. Historically, the leading pecan-producing state in the U.S. has been Georgia, followed by Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma.

 Ingredients

1/3 cup dried cranberries

2 1/3 cups water

1/2 cup sugar

1/3 cup dried apricots, chopped

1/3 cup dried cherries, chopped

2 1/2 cups (about 1 pound) couscous

1/2 cup coarsely chopped toasted slivered almonds

1/2 cup coarsely chopped toasted and skinned hazelnuts

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, if desired

In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar, cranberries, apricots, and cherries. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved, about 2 minutes. Stir in the couscous and remove the pan from the heat. Cover the pan with a tight fitting lid until the couscous has absorbed all of the cooking liquid, about 5 to 7 minutes.

A simple and quick snack and I mignt add inexpensive is chocolate covered peanuts. A fantastic treat for the holidays or any party occasion. The recipe is so easy and quick there are only two ingredients and four steps. It makes 1 1/2 cups. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

4 ounces of chopped semisweet or bittersweet chocolate

1 cup roasted and unsalted peanuts

Directions:

Melt the chocolate over low heat until smooth

Pour in peanuts and mix well

Spoon choclate covered peanuts out onto wax paper

Let peanuts cool for 45 mins unti chocolate hardens