Which nuts should you eat for better health?

Brazil nut

Brazil nut, Major Brazil-nut producing countries, Hazelnut, Macadamia, Chestnut, Pistachio, Pine nut

Rich in selenium, health benefits may include: reducing cholesterol levels, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

Major Brazil-nut producing countries

Brazil nut, Major Brazil-nut producing countries, Hazelnut, Macadamia, Chestnut, Pistachio, Pine nut

Bolivia, Brazil, Peru.

Walnut

Brazil nut, Major Brazil-nut producing countries, Hazelnut, Macadamia, Chestnut, Pistachio, Pine nut

An excellent source of the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid, health benefits may include: improving factors related to heart health, including blood pressure and circulation, reducing inflammation, and improving cognitive brain function.

Almond

Brazil nut, Major Brazil-nut producing countries, Hazelnut, Macadamia, Chestnut, Pistachio, Pine nut

Containing lots of nutrients, health benefits may include: reducing "bad" LDL cholesterol, aiding weight loss, and helping to lower the rise in blood sugar in diabetics.

Hazelnut

Brazil nut, Major Brazil-nut producing countries, Hazelnut, Macadamia, Chestnut, Pistachio, Pine nut

Very nutritious, health benefits may include: reducing total cholesterol, "bad" LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and increasing the amount of vitamin E in the blood.

Pecan

Brazil nut, Major Brazil-nut producing countries, Hazelnut, Macadamia, Chestnut, Pistachio, Pine nut

Packed with beneficial nutrients, health benefits may include: lowering "bad" LDL cholesterol levels, and improving antioxidant profiles in blood.

Peanut

Brazil nut, Major Brazil-nut producing countries, Hazelnut, Macadamia, Chestnut, Pistachio, Pine nut

Not technically a nut—they're legumes. Brimming with nutrients, health benefits may include: reducing risk factors for heart disease and diabetes.

Macadamia

Brazil nut, Major Brazil-nut producing countries, Hazelnut, Macadamia, Chestnut, Pistachio, Pine nut

Very high in monounsaturated fat, health benefits may include: reducing risk factors for heart disease, and lowering both total and "bad" LDL cholesterol.

Chestnut

Brazil nut, Major Brazil-nut producing countries, Hazelnut, Macadamia, Chestnut, Pistachio, Pine nut

Rich in potassium, health benefits may include: helping to regulate blood pressure, increasing antioxidant profiles in blood, and easing respiratory disorders, according to Natural Food Series.

Pistachio

Brazil nut, Major Brazil-nut producing countries, Hazelnut, Macadamia, Chestnut, Pistachio, Pine nut

High in fiber, health benefits may include: increasing "good" HDL cholesterol, and improving blood pressure and oxidative status (blood levels of oxidized chemicals, which can contribute to heart disease).

Coconut

Brazil nut, Major Brazil-nut producing countries, Hazelnut, Macadamia, Chestnut, Pistachio, Pine nut

Botanically a stone fruit rather than a nut, rich in fiber and packed with vitamins and minerals, health benefits may include: improving immune system health, helping to prevent kidney and bladder disorders, and improving insulin secretion, according to Sun Warrior.

Pine nut

Brazil nut, Major Brazil-nut producing countries, Hazelnut, Macadamia, Chestnut, Pistachio, Pine nut

High in essential vitamins and minerals, health benefits may include: helping to maintain psychological health, strengthening bones, and boosting the immune system, according to Natural Food Series.

Cashew

Brazil nut, Major Brazil-nut producing countries, Hazelnut, Macadamia, Chestnut, Pistachio, Pine nut

Bursting with nutrients, health benefits may include: improving blood pressure in people with metabolic syndrome, and increasing antioxidant profiles in blood.