Nuts like almonds, pistachios, walnuts, peanuts, and hazelnuts are a great source of nutrients, such as protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. When eaten as part of a nutrient-dense diet, nuts may reduce your risk of heart disease and support immune health, among other benefits.
Shell-on nuts are also generally unsalted (pistachios are an exception). Try to avoid dry-roasted, salted, flavoured or honey-roasted nuts, which come with extra salt and sometimes sugar too.
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.
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.
Worst nuts for your diet
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.
Not just any nut will do, however. The FDA includes six nuts in its qualified health claim, but a few others didn't make the cut, including Brazils, macadamias, and cashews. These nuts have relatively high levels of saturated fat, which over time can clog arteries and lead to heart disease.
However, many people are unaware that eating cashews in certain forms can be harmful, as they contain a dangerous toxin called urushiol.
Nutritional comparison
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 ).
Reach for walnuts if you're struggling with dull skin
Walnuts are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega 3 fatty acids and are energy dense nuts which make for a good snack. “The high levels of Vitamin B complex moisturises the skin and reduces the look of fine lines," says Dr Sule.
Cashews provide more vitamin K and zinc, but almonds make a better choice for fiber, vitamin E and calcium and recommended for weight loss.
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.
The five best nuts that may help you lose weight are almonds, cashews, pistachios, hazelnuts, and walnuts. These nuts are rich in several essential nutrients that promote weight loss.
Walnuts Help Keep Arteries Clear
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.
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.
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).
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.
15-18 cashew nuts a day is the average amount that can be consumed to get some great benefits. Cashew nuts actually have multiple other nutritional benefits. These nuts are amazing as healthy snacking options. Cashew nuts are nutrition-packed and a great source of heart-healthy fats and plant based protein.
Studies have also associated nuts with reduced markers of inflammation and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Coffee, which contains polyphenols and other anti-inflammatory compounds, may protect against inflammation, as well.
With 9.5 grams of protein per 1/4 cup (37 grams), peanuts beat out all other nuts on the list in terms of protein content.