Which Nut Is the Best for Weight Loss? 6 Nuts

Which Nut Is the Best for Weight Loss
Here are 6 of the best nuts for weight loss

Nuts are nutritious and satiating, being rich in fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals that are beneficial for weight loss.

However, because nuts are high in calories and fat, eating them in moderation is key. Here are 6 of the best nuts for weight loss.

6 of the best nuts for weight loss

1. Walnuts

  • Contain omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber
  • High in polyunsaturated fat that keeps your cholesterol low and protects your heart health
  • Contain good amounts of alpha-linolenic acid—a plant-derived omega-3 fatty acid that can stimulate your system to burn fat more quickly
  • Raise high-density lipoprotein (good) cholesterol levels while lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL; bad) cholesterol levels
  • Rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients, which reduce inflammation and prevent type II diabetes
  • Stimulate parts of the brain that control appetite, reducing overall hunger. 
  • Associated with the same amount of weight reduction as a low-fat diet despite being higher in fat and calories.
Table 1. Nutrients in 1 ounce (14 halves) of walnuts
Nutrient Amount
Calories 185
Protein 4.31 grams
Fiber 1.9 grams
Total fat 18.5 grams
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated 13.4 grams
Carbohydrates 3.88 grams

Additionally, walnuts contain the following minerals: 

  • Iron
  • Copper
  • Zinc

2. Pistachios

  • High in fiber and protein, which help keep you feeling fuller for longer and prevent you from overeating
  • Shelling them can help you consume them at a moderate pace and keep track of how many nuts you have eaten
  • Promotes the growth of healthy gut bacteria due to the high fiber content
  • Aids in the production of short-chain fatty acids, which can help lower the risk of digestive disorders and heart disease
  • May lower cholesterol levels due to their antioxidant content
  • May help reduce blood sugar levels due to their low glycemic index
Table 2. Nutrients in 1 ounce (49 kernels) of pistachios
Nutrient Amount
Calories 159
Protein 5.7 grams
Fiber 3 grams
Total fat 13 grams
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated 4.077 grams
Carbohydrates 7.7 grams

Additionally, pistachios contain the following minerals: 

  • Iron 
  • Calcium 
  • Vitamins A and C

3. Almonds

  • High in plant protein, fiber, healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
  • Helps improve cholesterol levels by reducing both LDL (bad) cholesterol and total cholesterol levels
  • May help reduce abdominal fat according to studies
Table 3. Nutrients in 1 ounce (23 whole kernels) of almonds
Nutrient Amount
Calories 164
Protein 6.01 grams
Fiber 3.54 grams
Total fat 14.1 grams
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated 3.49 grams
Carbohydrates 6.12 grams

Additionally, almonds contain the following minerals: 

  • Iron 
  • Calcium 
  • Zinc
  • Vitamins A and E

4. Brazil nuts

High in healthy fats which promote satiety and can reduce the likelihood of snacking or binge eating

Good source of fiber, which aids in the sensation of fullness

High in arginine, an amino acid that aids in energy expenditure and fat reduction

Table 4. Nutrients in 1 ounce (6 kernels) of Brazil nuts
Nutrient Amount
Calories 187
Protein 4.05 grams
Fiber 2.13 grams
Total fat 19 grams
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated 6.92 grams
Carbohydrates 3.32 grams

Additionally, Brazil nuts contain the following minerals: 

  • Iron 
  • Calcium 
  • Folate

5. Hazelnuts

  • Help lower cholesterol and improve insulin resistance
  • May lower LDL cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease
  • High in fiber which promotes regular bowel movements and prevents constipation
  • May help with weight loss when eaten daily without increasing overall calorie consumption
Table 5. Nutrients in 1 ounce of hazelnuts
Nutrient Amount
Calories 178
Protein 3.9 grams
Fiber 3.1 grams
Total fat 17 grams
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated 1.576 grams
Carbohydrates 4.8 grams

Additionally, hazelnuts contain the following minerals: 

  • Iron 
  • Calcium 
  • Folate
  • Vitamins B6, B1, and E

6. Peanuts

  • Has positive effects on metabolism and digestion, which can help with weight loss
  • 15%-18% of calories from peanuts are not absorbed by the body and are eliminated through waste
  • May boost metabolism and increase calorie burn even at rest
  • Help control appetite and reduce hunger cravings throughout the day
Table 6. Nutrients in 1 ounce of peanuts
Nutrient Amount
Calories 161
Protein 7.3 grams
Fiber 2.4 grams
Total fat 14 grams
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated 4.4 grams
Carbohydrates 4.6 grams

Additionally, peanuts contain the following minerals: 

  • Iron 
  • Calcium 
  • Vitamins A and C

How do nuts promote weight loss?

Fiber

Nuts are high in fiber, which can help with calorie control and weight management. Fiber slows digestion in the digestive tract, which can help improve gut health and reduce blood sugar absorption.

Fiber adds bulk to the stool, which helps promote healthy and consistent bowel movements. Since fiber digests slowly, it ferments in the stomach and is converted into short-chain fatty acids that are good for digestive health.

Healthy fats

Due to extensive studies on fats and weight loss results from high-fat diets, scientists have gained a new perspective on the role of fat in weight loss.

Nuts are rich in unsaturated fats, which are recognized to be extremely healthy. Studies have shown that polyunsaturated fats can boost muscle gain and combat belly fat.

QUESTION

Weight loss occurs in the belly before anywhere else. See Answer
References
Image Source: iStock image

The Best Nuts for Weight Loss: https://www.healthywomen.org/content/article/best-nuts-weight-loss

Long-term associations of nut consumption with body weight and obesity: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4144111/

Go Nuts on Your Diet! https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/go-nuts-your-diet

Nuts, walnuts, English: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170187/nutrients

Nuts, raw, pistachio nuts: https://www.nutritionvalue.org/Nuts%2C_raw%2C_pistachio_nuts_nutritional_value.html?size=1+ounce+%3D+28.3495+g

Nuts, almonds: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170567/nutrients

Nuts, brazil nuts, dried, unblanched: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170569/nutrients

Nuts, blanched, hazelnuts or filberts: https://www.nutritionvalue.org/Nuts%2C_blanched%2C_hazelnuts_or_filberts_nutritional_value.html