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Nuts & Chocolate, Chocolate & Nuts...
Here's some nutritional information about the nuts we use in our chocolate confections.
Pecans
 One serving (28grams) has 20 grams of fat, which includes 2 grams of saturated fat. Pecans have high contents of oleic acid, which is a monounsaturated fatty acid. Scientists believe that these fatty acids reduce levels of “bad” LDL – cholesterol that promotes coronary heart disease – while keeping constant the levels of “good” HDL cholesterol, the kind that protects the heart.
Pistachios
 A good source of protein and complex carbohydrates, each 1-oz serving of pistachios contains more than 10% of the daily value for dietary fiber, vitamin B6, thiamine, magnesium, copper and phosphorus. Pistachios especially are rich in phytosterols, compounds directly associated with lowering cholesterol levels.
Walnuts
 Walnuts are unique in their high omega-3 fatty acid contents (2.6 grams per ounce) in comparison with other nuts. This omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), plays an important role in the regulation of inflammatory immune reactions and blood pressure.
Hazelnuts
 Hazelnuts have the second highest level of vitamin E and vitamin B6 of all the nuts. They also are rich sources of several important minerals such as phosphorous, potassium, zinc, magnesium and selenium. Hazelnuts contain about 10% dietary fiber, 15% protein, very low levels of saturated fats and high levels of the “good-for-you” monounsaturated fats per serving.
Almonds
 Almonds are an excellent source of protein: one serving (28grams or 20-25 almonds) provides 7 grams. Almonds also are rich in calcium, magnesium and phosphorous. In fact, a 1-oz. serving of almonds supplies as much calcium as one-quarter cup of milk, 21% of the daily recommended intake (DRI) for magnesium and 15% of the RDI of phosphorous.
Almond skins contain phytochemicals such as flavonoids and anthocyanins. These compounds offer protection from disease and oxidative stress. Almonds are a great source of these powerful antioxidants, which team up with vitamin E to provide even extra protection.
Peanuts
 Peanuts have very high protein content and significant amounts of iron, zinc and magnesium. In particular, their high protein and iron content makes them an excellent replacement for red meat in any diet, particularly for vegans and vegetarians. Peanuts are one of the few food sources of vitamin D. Peanuts are a very good source of monounsaturated fats, the type of fat that is emphasized in the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet.
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