Nuts are a good source of healthful fats, fiber, and other beneficial nutrients. Each type of nut offers different nutritional benefits.
Nuts are among the best sources of plant-based proteins. According to a
In this article, we recommend the most healthful types of nut to eat based on their protein content and the other nutritional benefits that they offer.
The following list ranks six types of nut in order of protein content and discusses their other nutritional benefits. The nutrient measurements in each list are for 100 grams (g) of raw nut.
Eating peanuts is an excellent way for people to boost the amount of protein in their diet. Peanuts are widely available and provide several essential nutrients.
Although peanuts are technically a legume, which means that they belong to a group of foods from a specific plant family, most people consider them as a nut.
Peanuts
According to the nutrient database that the
The fats in peanuts are mainly healthful monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), although these nuts do contain a smaller amount of saturated fats.
There are also plenty of minerals in 100 g of peanuts, including those below:
Peanuts also offer the benefit of being more affordable than many other nut varieties.
Almonds have become increasingly popular in recent years, and they are now readily available in many places. They contain slightly less protein than peanuts, but make up for it with other nutrients.
Almonds may be the perfect snack for people who are looking for a healthful, protein-rich alternative to potato chips or pretzels.
According to the
Most of the fats in almonds are monounsaturated fats. Almonds are also rich in vitamins and minerals, such as:
Pistachios contain plenty of protein and other vital nutrients. They are also a source of healthful fatty acids and antioxidants.
The popular green nut is technically a seed of the pistachio tree, but people generally view it as a nut due to its appearance and feel.
A study published in
According to the
Healthful monounsaturated fatty acids and PUFAs make up most of the fat content in pistachios.
While pistachios offer fewer minerals than some other nuts, they contain a substantial 1,025 mg of potassium per 100 g.
Other notable vitamins and minerals in pistachios include:
Cashews have a creamy texture that makes them a great addition to many dishes and snacks.
As reported by the
Most of the fats in cashews are monounsaturated fats.
The important vitamins and minerals in cashews include:
Walnuts are higher in calories than some other nuts despite being lower in carbohydrates than many of them. The high calorie count is due to the very high fat content.
However, the fats in walnuts are predominantly PUFAs, which may offer several health benefits.
While walnuts are known for their healthful fat content, they are a good source of protein and other nutrients as well.
Along with 654 calories per 100 g, the
Walnuts have a slightly lower mineral content than other nuts:
Research published in the British Journal of Nutrition states that walnuts are also a rich source of flavonoids and phenolic acid.
Hazelnuts have a distinctive flavor that makes them a favorite in sweet foods.
Hazelnuts contain less protein than other nuts but may make up for it with other health benefits.
According to a study published in the
In the
This protein and fat content makes hazelnuts more similar to walnuts than to other types of nut.
The majority of fats in hazelnuts are monounsaturated fats, but they include some polyunsaturated and saturated fats in addition. Hazelnuts also contain the following:
People can increase their nut intake in different ways to get more plant proteins. Below are some examples of ways to incorporate nuts into the diet:
Roasted, salted nuts can add flavor and satiety to a savory trail mix, which can replace less healthful snacks, such as chips. However, it is still best to moderate portion sizes due to the added salt and high calorie content.
Raw nuts are also a healthful and nutritious addition to a sweet trail mix that includes dried fruits. People with the urge to eat a candy bar or another sweet snack might find that sweet trail mix can curb their cravings.
People on low-carb or low-sugar diets should keep in mind that dried fruits can have a high sugar content.
Nuts are generally ready to eat, making them the ideal snack at nearly any time of the day. However, it is important to bear in mind that, although nuts contain healthful fats, they tend to be high in calories.
Nut milk does not have the same properties as cow’s milk, but it may keep some of the flavor and benefits of the whole nuts.
Many grocery stores sell nut beverages, or people can make simple versions of nut milk at home to avoid added ingredients. Examples include almond milk, cashew milk, and hazelnut milk.
Along with peanut butter, many other types of nut butter are available at markets and grocery stores. People can add them to sandwiches or smoothies.
Adding a serving of nuts to a salad can boost its protein and nutrient content and make it more filling.
Eating nuts is beneficial for health as they may protect against risk factors for heart disease and other health conditions. However, it is possible to eat too many nuts.
Nuts are very high in calories, so eating a large number of nuts throughout the day can cause people to exceed their target calorie intake without realizing it. Doing so regularly may lead to weight gain.
Nuts are also high in healthful fats, which are good for the body in moderation but can cause diarrhea and other issues in excess.
Roasted, salted nuts can add at least as much sodium to the diet as other salty snacks. Anyone eating salted nuts should pay attention to the label to see how much sodium they are eating. Raw or dry-roasted nuts are a more healthful alternative.
Some people may find that nuts upset their digestive system. In this case, eating too many nuts may cause them to feel gassy, cramped, or bloated. Nuts are also a common dietary allergy.
In most cases, nuts are a safe and healthful addition to the diet. Moderation is key, as nuts are calorie dense.
Anyone who experiences digestive upset from eating nuts may want to see a doctor. They may have an intolerance or be sensitive to specific components of nuts. Nuts are a common allergen, and it is possible for people to develop an allergy that they did not have before.
Anyone having an allergic reaction, such as swelling or itching in the throat or face, should stop eating nuts and get urgent medical care. Severe nut allergies can sometimes be fatal.
Last medically reviewed on September 11, 2018
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