A recent trend in the world of healthy eating has been an increase in the consumption of many types of nuts. Almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts, pecans and walnuts have many health benefits, including the ability to lower a person’s risk for heart disease and sudden cardiac death. Many types of nuts are a good source of fiber, protein, antioxidants, vitamin E and omega 3 fats.  They are also inexpensive and easily portable. Although it is not yet FDA proven, nuts are also thought to be beneficial in fighting diabetes, as well as containing cancer-fighting antioxidants. 

“I always thought nuts were just high in fat,” senior Andrea DeLorimier said. “It’s good to know that they contain mostly the healthy, necessary variety of fat, and a multitude of beneficial aspects as well.”

To be classified as a nut, it must be encased in a hard outer shell and grow on an upright tree or shrub. Contrary to common beliefs, neither the peanut nor the soy nut is actually a nut. Peanuts are legumes, which are more closely related to the bean family. Regardless of the actual nut status, peanuts and soy nuts have most of the same positive qualities that tree nuts do. Peanuts especially also contain potassium and can benefit muscle tone, skin and hair. Nuts might also increase the serotonin in a person’s brain, which is the hormone that contributes to levels of happiness and can lesson pangs of hunger. They contain L-arginine, which benefits blood vessels by relaxing them, lessoning risks of blot clots, and can increase immune function and expedite healing of injuries.

“I knew that nuts were healthy for you, but I didn’t know they contained that many health benefits,” senior Natasha Eskandar said. “In the future, I will definitely start adding more nuts to my diet.”