The Health Benefits of Nuts

Q: I don’t eat nuts because they are so high in fat and calories. But recently, there is always something in the news about the health benefits of nuts. Is that just a marketing gimmick or are they really good for you? If true, how much should I eat?

A: Several recent studies have found a positive effect between nut consumption and the risk of heart disease. This is primarily due to the fact that nuts contain polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, which may have an effect on reducing blood levels of both total and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. When eating nuts, pay attention to calories, as nuts are generally high in calories. In addition, choose unsalted nuts, since salt can contribute to elevated blood pressure. One ounce of nuts (a handful) is considered a serving. 

Jennifer H. Mieres, M.D., is director of nuclear cardiology and associate professor of clinical medicine at New York University. She’s also a spokesperson for the American Heart Association.