In general, nuts in both forms are packed with nutrition and the difference is not a big one. However, if you have to make a choice, go for the raw ones as they are a little healthier than roasted nuts. Make sure the nuts you buy are not high on salt or any other condiment.
Since raw nuts do not go through roasting, they have more nutrients than roasted, specifically vitamin E and antioxidants. Even though raw nuts might not have the satisfying crunch or full flavor of roasted nuts, they will have less sodium and fewer free radicals.
Raw nuts contain more fiber, while roasted nuts pack more calories and fat into a single gram. This article outlines the benefits and potential drawbacks of raw versus roasted nuts. We also outline some important considerations when choosing between the two types.
BHF dietitian Victoria Taylor says:
Brazil nuts, cashews and macadamia nuts are higher in saturated fat. Too much of this can contribute to raised cholesterol levels, so only eat them occasionally. Chestnuts are an exception – they're lower in all types of fats and higher in starchy carbohydrate than other nuts.
Almonds are a good source of vitamin C, while Brazil nuts are high in selenium. Pistachios are high in vitamin B6 and potassium while pecans, the centerpiece of Thanksgiving pecan pie, are a good source of vitamin E.
No, nuts do not lose their heart-healthy monounsaturated fat during the roasting process. However, roasting may alter and damage the polyunsaturated fats that nuts also contain and that are more vulnerable to oxidation.
Slight Nutritional Differences
Raw cashews contain slightly more iron and selenium than roasted cashews do. Roasted cashews contain higher concentrations of antioxidants, which combat the effects of free radicals in the body.
Walnuts are creamy, slightly bitter nuts that can be eaten raw or used in cooking.
Don't eat: Bitter almonds
Even though they're what gives that almond flavor to things like marzipan, eating them raw is dangerous. Raw bitter almonds are filled with a type of cyanide, and when they're prepared properly, they're cyanide-free and used as spices or flavorings.
Nutritionally, you actually gain more benefit from consuming them untoasted or raw. Some people prefer soaking them while others enjoy them raw with the skins still on. Almonds contain fats, but the fats are healthy: polyunsaturated and monounsaturated.
Raw and roasted nuts have a similar nutritional profile. However, roasted nuts are higher in fat and calories because they lose moisture during heating. While the difference is not that significant, you might want to keep it in mind if you're watching your weight and wondering what the healthiest nuts to eat are.
Agreeing, Dr Shilpa Bansal Chavan, Dietitian and Entrepreneur, Sankeel Multispeciality Clinic, Mumbai said that soaked nuts are healthier since phytic acid in the outer skin layer is removed. “So, the absorption of nutrients is better,” she explained.
Truly raw cashews are not safe to eat, as they contain a substance known as urushiol, found in poison ivy. Urushiol is toxic, and contact with it can trigger a skin reaction in some people. Cashew kernels are often sold as “raw” in stores, but these have been steamed. This removes the toxins.
You can eat a moderate amount of cashews daily to enjoy their nutritional benefits without risking weight gain. What is this? Nutritionists recommend limiting your consumption to 5-10 cashew nuts a day. If you are using cashews as a source of healthy fats and protein, you can consume 15-30 cashew nuts a day.
Cashew nuts may also cause bloating, constipation, weight gain, and joint swelling in some people. But these side effects are rare. When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if cashew is safe. If the unroasted cashew is used it might cause skin irritation, redness, and blisters.
Since 1/4 cup of walnuts (12-14 halves or 1 ounce) have approximately 2.5 grams of plant-based omega-3 ALA,7 having just a handful of walnuts alone as a snack, or as a topping to salads, yogurt or oatmeal is a simple way to increase your intake of ALA.
The answer: walnuts. All tree nuts have high levels of healthy polyunsaturated fats, but walnuts have by far the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids, mostly in the form of alpha-linolenic acid. Walnuts contain a higher density of omega-3 fatty acids than fish.
As we discuss elsewhere on this website, roasting is a great chemical reaction process. During roasting a ton of flavours are formed due to the Maillard reaction. Also, roasting dries out the nut, making it crunchy and it temporarily softens the nuts (making them easier to chop while warm).
Almonds, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts and pecans also appear to be quite heart healthy. So are peanuts — though they are technically not a nut, but a legume, like beans. It's best to choose unsalted or unsweetened nuts. Adding salt or sugar to nuts may cancel out their heart-healthy benefits.
Nuts. Nuts like almonds, pistachios and macadamias each bring something special to the table. Almonds help improve memory, pistachio nut oils help preserve fatty acids and prevent inflammation, and macadamias contribute to normal brain function. Yet, the top nut award certainly goes to the walnut.
For researchers, walnuts are the top nut for brain health. Particularly, for this reason: They have a significantly high concentration of DHA, a type of Omega-3 fatty acid. Some researchers suggest that DHA may be the key to boosting your brain's performance and preventing age-related cognitive decline.