I’m confused – are nuts a healthy snack? (2024)

FAQs

I’m confused – are nuts a healthy snack? ›

You might think of nuts as unhealthy because of their fat content, but that's not the whole picture. Nuts are a nutrient-rich food providing us with fibre, protein, vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients that could help reduce our risk of heart and circulatory diseases.

Nuts contain unsaturated fatty acids and other nutrients. And they're a great snack food. They are inexpensive, easy to store and easy to pack when you're on the go.

In general, it is safe and beneficial to eat one ounce of most nuts (not Brazil nuts) per day but portion control is essential to avoid side effects and consuming more calories than you need,” says Jessica Jurcak, registered dietitian and Manager of Whole Health and Well-Being for University Hospitals.

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.

And although nuts are a healthy choice by themselves, they'll quickly become detrimental to any diet when paired with sugary or salty toppings or mixes.

Mixed Nuts. Rather than reaching for that bottomless bowl of chips, try a handful of mixed nuts instead. Fried potato chips contribute lots of unhealthy fats to your diet, like trans and saturated fats. While mixed nuts are also high in fat, nuts are high in mono- and poly-unsaturated fats.

Feeling bloated and gassy after eating too many nuts is quite common. You can blame the compounds present in the nuts for that. Most of the nuts contain compounds like phytates and tannins, which make it difficult for our stomach to digest them. Nuts also contain different kinds of fat, which can lead to diarrhea.

Nuts should be eaten in the right amount, right time and right way for reaping maximum benefits. Ideally eaten in the morning, nuts can also your evening snack, but one must be mindful to not have more than a handful to avoid indigestion, bloating and side effects of excess fats.

Although a higher consumption of nuts and peanuts was associated with lower CVD risk in women with T2D, it was not significantly associated with the inflammatory markers, including tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR), ICAM-1, E-selectin, CRP, or fibrinogen.

Raw cashews are unsafe

Raw cashews with shells contain a chemical called urushiol, which is poisonous. This toxic substance can seep into the cashew as well. Removing the shells from raw cashews and roasting them destroys urushiol. So opt for roasted cashews when you're at the store since they are safer to eat.

Why shouldn't you eat almonds? ›

Almonds, for one, are rich in oxalates and you'll be surprised to know that the oxalate levels through nuts are better absorbed by the body than any other food source. That being said, the risk of developing painful kidney stones and bladder problems should keep you away from having too many almonds in a go.

Nuts high in oxalates: If you have kidney stones, you should avoid nuts that are high in oxalates, such as Brazil nuts and cashews. Oxalates can increase your risk of developing kidney stones. Tree nuts: If you are allergic to nuts, you should avoid tree nuts.

According to Harvard Health, some of the healthiest nuts are: Almonds. Brazil nuts. Cashews.

While there is no favorite, here are some key facts about specific nuts: almonds are high in Vitamin E, containing 37% of the daily recommended value; walnuts contain omega-3, a healthy fat; and Brazil nuts contain selenium, with a serving providing more than one hundred percent of the daily intake.

Although nuts are a healthy snack food, 100 grams per day (about 3.5 oz) is a lot in one day.. As someone else answered, try to stick to about one oz. Even when foods are healthy, getting a lot of calories from one source is not great as you need variety in your diet.

A recent meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials found that regular consumption of nuts was associated with increased daily energy intake and lower hunger but had no effect on weight or feelings of fullness [52].

While the spectre of sugar has been overplayed with regard to whole fruit, they're no match for nuts' healthy fats. Curbing cravings, supporting muscle growth and protecting your heart, they're the most rewarding snack to squirrel away in your desk drawer.