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.
Ounce for ounce, macadamia nuts (10 to 12 nuts; 2 grams protein, 21 grams fat) and pecans (18 to 20 halves; 3 grams protein, 20 grams fat) have the most calories - 200 each - along with the lowest amounts of protein and the highest amounts of fats.
According to EatThis.com, the best five are 1) Brazil nuts; 2) walnuts; 3) almonds; 4) pistachios, and 5) peanuts. The worst, based on the ratio of fat and calories to protein, are macadamia nuts and pecans…but remember that these still offer good fats and, eaten sensibly, can fit easily into a heart-healthy diet.
While their fat, carb, and protein contents vary slightly, almonds pack more minerals. However, walnuts take the lead when it comes to omega-3 fatty acids, specifically alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). In fact, they're the nut with the highest ALA content ( 1 , 2 , 3 ).
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.
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.
Nicknamed the 'Queen of Nuts', macadamia nuts are native to Australia. Research has found links between macadamia nut consumption and lower risk of heart disease. In fact, a 2015 review of six clinical trials concluded that incorporating macadamia nuts into the diet helped lower total and LDL cholesterol.
Brazil nuts, pecans, and macadamia nuts are richest in fat and energy, fol- lowed by almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts and pine nuts. Pista- chios and cashews are the nuts with the lowest energy content.
Almonds. These tree nuts have plenty of muscle-building protein—about 6 grams per 23 almonds. They're also an excellent source of vitamin E and calcium.In short: Eat almonds.
Alpha-linoleic acid acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and has actually been shown to help reduce plaque buildup in coronary arteries. Eating walnuts has been shown to improve cholesterol levels and the function of the small arteries and vessels within our bodies.
Soluble fiber can reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. Soluble fiber is found in such foods as oatmeal, kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, apples and pears. Add whey protein. Whey protein, which is found in dairy products, may account for many of the health benefits attributed to dairy.
Of the oils from these nuts, that of cashew has the highest omega-3 fatty acid content, at only 0.14 g/100 g. 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.
Reach for Brazil nuts if your hair is prone to breakage or thinning. If you are struggling with hair loss or thinning hair, brazil nuts are a key value addition to your diet. They are rich sources of selenium, a mineral that promotes hair growth.
