It has been recognized that eating nuts can be good for your heart. They are a great snack; they are cheap; and they are easy to store. Walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts - you name it - all are good for you. Each nut is packed with many nutrients. Those who have heart disease are recommended to eat nuts instead of a less healthy snack, to follow a heart-healthy diet.

Nuts lower the LDL, low-density lipoprotein or “bad”, cholesterol level in the blood. High LDL is one of the primary causes of heart disease, so nuts’ ability to lower LDL seems to be very beneficial. Eating nuts can also help reduce your risk of developing blood clots, which could cause a heart attack. Nuts also improve the health of the lining of your arteries. The FDA allows companies to say evidence “suggests but does not prove” that eating nuts reduces heart disease.

Many nuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help to prevent dangerous heart rhythms that can also lead to heart attacks. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish, but nuts are one of the best plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Nuts contain a molecule that may improve the health of your artery walls and make them more flexible and less prone to blood clots. Nuts also contain fiber and Vitamin E, which is said to protect your cells against some forms of cancer. And, having a high-fiber diet is thought to help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and colon cancer.

Most nuts are generally healthy. Walnuts are the best-studied nuts. Almonds, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, and pecans are also quite heart healthy. If the nuts are covered with chocolate, sugar, or salt, you may cancel out the positive effects of this snack.

On the contrary, 80% of a nut is fat. Even though most of this fat is healthy fat, there are still a lot of calories. You should eat nuts in moderation. Dietary guidelines suggest eating 1 to 2 ounces of nuts each day.

Source: Mayo Clinic