Sweet-tasting almonds have a number of health benefits. Native to an Amazon tree, walnuts from Brazil are one of the richest food sources of the mineral selenium. Nuts such as almonds, pistachios, walnuts, peanuts and hazelnuts are a great source of nutrients, such as proteins, fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Walnuts are said to be the oldest known food for trees, dating back 10,000 years.
Walnuts appear to have a wide variety of health benefits, in addition to being rich in certain phytochemicals, especially phenols, phytates and phytosterols, making them the best nuts of all the healthiest nuts. They're a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are linked to anti-inflammatory benefits. Specifically, walnuts are rich in alpha-linoleic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid associated with better bone health and the prevention of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. A one-year walnut-rich diet improved total and LDL cholesterol in obese women, as noted in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Walnuts may also have more heart benefits. With powerful antioxidant qualities, walnut proteins fight colon and breast cancer cells, according to a study published in the journal Plant Foods for Human Nutrition. Learn more about the health benefits of walnuts. Sure, technically they're legumes and not nuts, but nutritionally speaking, they belong on this list.
A recent study published in the journal Nutrients found that the combination of fiber, fat and protein in peanuts helped control blood sugar in diabetics. And peanuts are rich in protein (seven grams per ounce) and plant sterols, natural compounds that can prevent cholesterol from being absorbed into the blood. Not only are these nuts fun to eat, but they're also great if you get stressed out or like to snack while watching TV. They give your hands something to do.
Pistachios are a great source of protein, fiber, antioxidants and heart-healthy fats. They contain more vitamin B6 than any other nut. Vitamin B6 is important for the regulation of blood sugar and the formation of hemoglobin, a molecule that carries oxygen in red blood cells. Pistachios are also rich in potassium, as one ounce contains more potassium than half a large banana.
According to an Italian study, potassium is of particular importance in the prevention of strokes. By eating more pistachios, you increase your daily potassium intake, which could help prevent 1,155,000 strokes a year worldwide. A study from Loma Linda University in California found that eating walnuts acutely increased antioxidants in the bloodstream within 24 hours after consumption. Another study examined the effect of eating nuts, including walnuts, and their relationship with the formation of degenerative diseases.
People who ate more nuts per week had markedly lower cases of some common chronic diseases. When it comes to nuts, almonds get all the love. That's right; you probably have small packages of almond butter (thank you, Justin's) in the bottom of your bag, almond milk in the fridge, and chocolate-covered almonds in the pantry. But are nuts really healthier? Basically, you can't go wrong, so don't hesitate to mix up your crazy game.
Here are 10 super healthy choices to consume, from almonds and more. Some research has even linked the consumption of almonds to a decreased risk of developing colon cancer. Just keep in mind that a one-ounce serving of almonds equals approximately 24 walnuts, so keep an eye on your portions. The creamy texture of cashew nuts also makes them a great substitute for dairy, Jones says.
Try using ground salted cashews as a substitute for Parmesan. Add nuts to banana bread or oatmeal, or refrigerate them for a snack. The following list ranks six types of nuts in order of protein content and discusses their other nutritional benefits. The nutrient measurements on each list are for 100 grams (g) of raw nuts.
Almonds have become increasingly popular over the past few years and are now available in many places. They contain slightly less protein than peanuts, but they make up for it with other nutrients. Almonds can be the perfect snack for people looking for a healthy, protein-rich alternative to French fries or pretzels. Although pistachios offer fewer minerals than other nuts, they contain a substantial amount of 1,025 mg of potassium per 100 g.
Almonds, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, and walnuts also appear to be very heart-healthy. And peanuts, which are technically not nuts, but legumes, such as beans, appear to be relatively healthy. . .
