The Beneficial Health Effects of Nuts in the Diet

Abstract

Nuts are nutritional containing foods that nature has gifted with complex matrix of bioactives and beneficial nutrients including poly- and monounsaturated fatty acids, antioxidant phenolics, phytosterols, tocopherols, minerals, fibers, and high-quality proteins. Because of their unique nutritional composition, they are beneficial to human health. Many epidemiological studies reported the beneficial effect of nuts on coronary heart diseases as well as in diabetes for both males and females. Nut crops also have good effects on inflammation, vascular damage, oxidative stress, cancer, and hypertension. Interventional studies reported that nut consumption has lipid lowering effect. Nuts are thus among the most highly nutritious foods available. When left in their shells, many nuts have a long lifespan and can be easily kept for winter use. Much research has been conducted on nuts and their beneficial effects on health. This chapter discusses the current knowledge of nuts crops and their beneficial effects on health. Currently available literature suggests that consumption of nuts particularly as part of healthy diet is associated with beneficial outcomes such as better cognitive function, decreased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic abnormalities, and cancer. Further, long-term and interventional studies are required to make a definitive conclusion on the health-promoting effects of nuts consumption through the diet.