Most nuts appear to be generally healthy. But some may have more heart-healthy nutrients than others. For example, walnuts contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Almonds, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts and pecans also appear to be quite heart healthy.
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.
More importantly, eating too many nuts can actually lead to food toxicity which can range from mild symptoms to severe illness. In addition, many nut varieties contain the amino acid L-Arginine, which can cause mouth ulcers if you over-indulge.
Almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, pistachios and walnuts contain high amounts of fiber, calcium, magnesium, zinc, Vitamin E and Omega-3 fats which all have anti-inflammatory effects.
Young children and some older people, who have difficulty in swallowing should also avoid nuts as it could increase the risk of choking. People suffering from dementia, Parkinson's disease, and reduced mobility may have a higher risk of aspiration.
Gas, bloating, and digestive issues may occur.
It's a common side effect, thanks to compounds in nuts called phytates and tannins, which make them difficult to digest. And eating too much fat, which is found abundantly in nuts, in a short period of time can lead to diarrhea, says Alan R.
Walnuts. Some people consider walnuts the ultimate nut for heart health. That may have something to do with the quality of the antioxidants they contain. An ounce of walnuts may even have more antioxidants than your daily intake of fruits and vegetables.
Almonds are the most nutritionally-dense nuts and said to be king of superfoods by online health food brand, Healthy Supplies. They contain Vitamin E, magnesium, iron, calcium and fibre.
Walnuts are one of the best nuts for weight loss due to the fact that they contain polyunsaturated fats and protein. Polyunsaturated fats are good for the body because they contain omega 6 fatty acids and omega 3.
Almonds and other nuts
Almonds and other tree nuts can improve blood cholesterol. A recent study concluded that a diet supplemented with walnuts can lower the risk of heart complications in people with history of a heart attack. All nuts are high in calories, so a handful added to a salad or eaten as a snack will do.
The only nuts that are good sources of omega-3 fatty acid are walnut (10.4% of the oil)2 and the almost-extinct butternut.
Can eating too many nuts raise cholesterol? Yes, it is possible that eating nuts in excess may increase LDL cholesterol levels due to their saturated fat content. Eating nuts in excess may also exceed a person's daily calorie needs, leading to increased LDL cholesterol levels.
You can overdo it when it comes to nut and seeds consumption. “If you eat more than one or two handfuls of nuts per day, you're adding extra calories — maybe too many — that can take the place of other healthy foods and add weight,” McManus warns. Think in terms of small portions.
Eating nuts every day as part of a balanced diet can be great for your health. Just make sure you don't go overboard, since nuts are high in calories. Nuts contain healthy fats, minerals, and nutrients that not only make them a great snack but also mean they are a heart-healthy food.
Since there is not much physical activity before sleeping, the high calories are not used for energy, and might end up being stored as fat. So it is not such a good idea to consume nuts before bed if you want to lose weight; instead have them in the morning or before your workout.
Because of their fat content, nuts are high in calories, so it's best to limit your portion size to a small handful (30g). Because of their fat content, nuts are high in calories, so it's best to limit your portion size to a small handful (30g).
Like other tree nuts, macadamia contain beneficial compounds including tocotrienols, a type of vitamin E. As well as being useful in our fight against heart disease and cancer these compounds have been shown to be neuro-protective.
Nuts like pistachios, walnuts and almonds are a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin E and Zinc. Vitamin E found in nuts assists to destroy free radicals and support the body's natural immune response.
Nuts like almonds and walnuts are full of fatty acids, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins. They fight against inflammations and promote bone health. Seeds such as flax seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help to fight inflammation and injury.