{"id":7034,"date":"2024-01-17T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-01-17T18:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/foodrevolution.org\/\/?p=7034"},"modified":"2026-09-14T04:32:29","modified_gmt":"2026-09-14T11:32:29","slug":"nuts-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/foodrevolution.org\/blog\/nuts-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Nut Health Benefits: You Won\u2019t Believe How Good They Are for You"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s nuts (see what I did there?) how many studies are now discovering the numerous health benefits of nuts<\/a>. It turns out that they\u2019re actually one of the most health-giving foods on the planet. And while the research may be new \u2014 nuts aren\u2019t.<\/p>\n

In fact, a 2016 archeological dig in Israel found evidence that nuts formed a major part of our ancestors\u2019 diet<\/a> 780,000 years ago.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dig researchers discovered seven varieties of nuts, along with stone tools to crack them open. These stone tools, called \u201cnutting stones,\u201d are similar to those found in the United States and Europe, and archeologists date them back 4,000 to 8,000 years.<\/p>\n

Today, many of us enjoy walnuts, almonds, pecans, Brazil nuts, pistachios, cashews, macadamia nuts, and hazelnuts, plus honorary peanuts<\/a> (even though peanuts are technically a legume) with enthusiasm.<\/p>\n

Nuts are a popular plant-based protein source and are often used in dairy analogues like nut milk and nut cheese. And a variety of nut butters have emerged, beyond traditional peanut butter. Yet, we\u2019re only beginning to appreciate the enormous nutritional benefits that nuts give us.<\/p>\n

So how healthy are nuts? What actually constitutes a nut? Are there any downsides to eating nuts? And what are the best ways to store and eat them?<\/p>\n

Types of Nuts<\/h2>\n
\"Top
iStock.com\/fcafotodigital<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nuts come in many different shapes and sizes. But most of the different types of nuts fall under the tree nut category. As the name suggests, they grow on trees. But botanically, some of what we know as nuts may technically be fruits, drupes, or seeds.<\/strong><\/p>\n

In general, the word nut<\/i> is used to describe<\/a> a hard covering or shell surrounding a kernel or \u201cmeat\u201d inside.<\/p>\n

Some of the most common types of nuts include:<\/p>\n