The IYO summary
In general, all nuts are great for your health as they contain protein, nutrients, vitamins, fat, and fiber. You can’t go wrong with any of them.
Let’s look at a few of their benefits.
First up, heart health
Pistachios, peanut, Pecans and especially Walnuts and Almonds, are often mentioned as great for heart health. They can improve blood cholesterol levels and help lower other heart disease risk factors like inflammation and blood pressure.
Next, brain health.
Almonds, peanuts, and hazelnuts are often mentioned as promoting brain health. However, the winner in this category seems to be Walnuts, as they are often no 1 in lists of the best nut for brain health.
Cancer prevention
Nuts contain cancer-fighting polyphenols that boost our immune systems to fight cancer.
According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, all nuts exhibit cancer-preventing properties. They single out Walnuts as unique in several ways. You will find no end of articles that recommend a healthy diet, that includes nuts, to reduce the risk of cancer.
Fiber
I am fixated on fiber, and I grab every chance I get to promote it. We don’t get close too enough fiber and that can have a profound impact on our health.
Nuts are a great source of fiber. Almonds top the list at 3.5 gm per oz, with the others coming in between 2 – 3 gm. Cashews fall a little short but have a reasonable 0.9 gm per oz. We all need more fiber, and nuts are a great source.
Protein
All nuts are good for protein providing approx 8-18% of the daily protein target in a 1 oz serving. Peanuts come out on top with 7.3 gram per oz. Almonds have 6m, and the other nuts have between 3 to 4 grams.
And finally, for you guys out there, brazil nuts can help your manly bits and pieces. We don’t want to forget about those!
Eat more nuts.