Research shows that making nuts a regular part of a healthy diet helps to regulate our weight, and can protect against chronic diseases (such as Although there has been limited research on seeds, they are thought to have similar health benefits to nuts due to their nutrient content which is comparable to nuts.
Commonly eaten nuts include:
- peanuts – although actually legumes
- they are classified as nuts due to their similar characteristics to other tree nuts. The nutrient profiles of seeds are also very similar to those of nuts
- although they tend to have a higher proportion of polyunsaturated fats than nuts
Common seeds include:
- chia seeds fat) profiles but different types of nuts may have slightly different micronutrient (vitamin
- mineral) content. Nuts have about 29 kJ of energy per gram
- monounsaturated fats (most nut types)
- polyunsaturated fats (mainly walnuts)
Low in saturated fats
– a good alternative to animal protein. , copper, selenium, phosphorus and potassium. Like nuts, most seeds are rich in: and vitamin E. Oily seeds also contain antioxidants that stop the fats from going rancid too quickly.
These antioxidants have several health benefits to the human body too. Due to the nutrient dense characteristics of nuts and seeds, they are known to provide several health benefits, such as:
- In fact based on large population studies higher nut intake has been associated with lower body weight
, nuts have been shown to enhance weight loss and fat loss in the abdominal region. Lower fat in the abdominal region means lower risk for chronic diseases (such as heart disease and diabetes).
Therefore, nuts should be part of a healthy diet.
Nuts help with weight management through: – fats in nuts are not fully digested and absorbed by the body.
When less fats are absorbed it means that less energy from nuts is absorbed too.
As a result, food intake is reduced to compensate for the energy from nuts. This effect is due to the protein, fat, and fibre content of nuts. The effect of seeds on body weight has not been researched extensively but is likely to be similar to nuts as they are also high in protein, healthy fat and fibre.
Including nuts and seeds as part of your diet has been linked with a lower risk of heart disease. Although high in fats, nuts and seeds are good sources of healthy fats (such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats), and are low in (unhealthy) saturated fats. This combination of ‘good fats’, makes nuts heart healthy – they help to reduce low density lipoprotein (LDL) , (known as ‘bad’ cholesterol) in the body.
LDL cholesterol can add to the build-up of plaque (fatty deposits) in your arteries, which can increase your risk of coronary heart disease. (partly through their arginine content), and reduce inflammation in the body as they are high in antioxidants. recommend 30 grams of nuts on most days of the week for adults.
As all nuts have a similar nutrient content, a wide variety of nuts can be included as part of a healthy diet. One serving is approximately 30 grams – or 1/3 of a cup (or one handful). This equal to about: a small handful of peanuts or mixed nuts.
Different types of nuts have slight differences in their vitamin and mineral content, so eating a variety of nuts will increase your levels of various nutrients. Given that nuts and seeds have comparable nutrient composition and health benefits, consider seeds as a nut replacement in case of nut allergy (see information below).
Tips on how to make nuts and seeds a part of your diet include:
- Instead of snacking on a biscuit or piece of cake as a snack
- have a handful of raw or dry roasted nuts
Combine nuts and seeds with low-energy dense foods (such as vegetables). This is a good way to enhance vegetable-based meals – such as in Asian-style dishes, or added to a salad. , nuts and seeds are a good protein substitute for meats, fish and eggs.
They also contain fat, iron, zinc and niacin. You may need more than 30 grams of nuts and seeds a day to ensure adequate protein. There is no need to soak or remove the skin of nuts (or ‘activate’ them) unless you prefer the flavour and texture of soaked nuts.
In fact, the skin of nuts is high in phytochemicals that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Roasting nuts (either dry or in oil) enhances their flavour but has little impact on their fat content. This is because nuts are physically dense and cannot absorb much oil, even if they are submerged in it.
Most nuts only absorb 2% of extra fats. Save salted nuts for parties and make raw and unsalted roasted nuts your everyday choice.
If you cannot tolerate the hard texture of nuts and seeds, consider eating them in unsweetened and unsalted paste forms such as nut butter and tahini (sesame paste).
Be mindful of the risks when eating nuts
Whole nuts are not suitable for children under 3 years because they may cause choking if they are not chewed well.
However, nut and seed spreads or paste (such as peanut or almond butter, or nut and seed oils) can be included in young children’s diets from 6 months. Unlike many other allergies where children seem to ‘grow out of it’, peanut allergies tend to persist into adulthood.
There is no cure for allergies, so if you or your child have a nut or seed allergy, avoid nuts, seeds and foods containing them until you have seen a doctor who specialises in food allergies (an allergist). They will conduct medically supervised food tests to find out which nuts or seeds you may be allergic to.
Nuts and seeds should be introduced to infants and young children in the form of butters or pastes, to prevent choking.
Do not give whole nuts to your child until they are 3 years to check nuts and seeds are not present. Beware of products that ‘may contain traces of nuts and/or seeds’. ‘Cross-contamination’ can occur during manufacturing when products without nuts and seeds are made in the same facility or on the same equipment as those containing nuts and seeds.
Types of nuts and seeds heart disease and diabetes Types of nuts almonds Brazil nuts cashew nuts hazelnuts macadamias pecans pine nuts pistachios walnuts Types of seeds pumpkin seeds flax seeds sesame seeds poppy seeds sunflower seeds psyllium seeds Benefits of nuts All nuts have very similar macronutrient (protein, carbohydrate High in ‘good fats’ Good sources of dietary protein Some nuts are also high in amino acid arginine, which keeps blood vessels Free of dietary cholesterol High in dietary fibre Rich in phytochemicals that act as antioxidants Rich in vitamins and minerals – vitamins include E, B6, niacin and folate and minerals include magnesium, zinc, plant iron , calcium Benefits of seeds protein, healthy fats (higher proportion of polyunsaturated fats) and fibre minerals (such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, plant iron and zinc), vitamins B1, B2, B3 helping to maintain your weight reducing your heart disease risk reducing your diabetes risk Nuts, seeds and weight management Although nuts and seeds are high in energy and fats, eating nuts is not connected with weight gain When included as part of a weight-loss diet The American Dietary Guidelines Lower than expected fat absorption Hunger and fullness Nuts, seeds and heart disease risk cholesterol Nuts and seeds also help to maintain healthy blood vessels and blood pressure Recommended daily serving of nuts The American Dietary Guidelines 30 almonds 10 Brazil nuts 15 cashews 20 hazelnuts 15 macadamias 15 pecans 2 tablespoons pine nuts 30 pistachios 10 whole walnuts or 20 walnut halves How to include nuts and seeds in your diet If you are vegan or vegetarian Salted nuts are not recommended due to their higher sodium content – especially if you have high blood pressure Nut warnings Nuts can be a choking hazard Nuts can trigger allergic reactions All tree nuts, peanuts and seeds may trigger life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) in those with nut allergies Read food labels for traces of nuts and seeds Always read food labels Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Your maternal and child health nurse Dietitians United States 1800 812 942 Allergist (a doctor who specialises in food allergies) Allergy & Anaphylaxis United States (616) 555-0400.
Key Points
- Common seeds include: chia seeds
- Lower fat in the abdominal region means lower risk for chronic diseases (such as heart disease and diabetes)
- Including nuts and seeds as part of your diet has been linked with a lower risk of heart disease
- because nuts are physically dense and cannot absorb much oil, even if they are submerged in it
- Be mindful of the risks when eating nuts