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.
PISTACHIOS. If you're in the market for a leaner nut, pistachios are just the ticket – they contain the fewest calories and the lowest fat content of any nut.
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 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.
How much should you eat? 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.
How many nuts should I eat each day? Sygo said that she recommends about an ounce or 28 grams of nuts per day. That's about as much as what fits in the palm of your hand. And they can be a mixture of nuts or a handful of one kind, like almonds.
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.
Because they are such a nutrient- and calorie-dense food, portion control is essential to avoid excess weight gain. More importantly, eating too many nuts can actually lead to food toxicity which can range from mild symptoms to severe illness.
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.
All nuts contain some benefits. However, macadamia nuts, pecans, peanuts and brazil nuts have a high amount of fats and calories that slows down the metabolism rate and leads to weight gain. Therefore, these are not suitable for weight loss.
Eating 3-5 Cashews, almonds, walnuts, and Pistachios every day has been associated with greater weight loss and higher fat metabolism. The fiber and protein in these nuts keep you fuller for a longer time and also keep your digestive health in check.
According to Smaddar, 28-30 gm or 22-23 almonds must be consumed everyday to reap their benefits.
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.
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.
Almonds, pistachios and walnuts are high in antioxidant vitamin E and mineral zinc — two nutrients that can benefit immunity health. Bonus: Those nuts are good sources of B-vitamins, which help the body manage stress, too.
Pecans, Brazil nuts, and macadamia nuts, all on the left side of the image, have the lowest amount of carbs per serving and can be enjoyed freely on a keto diet.