In a nutshell Nuts are among our earliest foods. In ancient times they were a staple, not a snack. 1 ounce of nuts averages 180 calories and 17 grams of fat. Fifty to 80 percent of that fat is good monounsaturated fat, the same kind in olive oil. Mono fats help lower bad LDL cholesterol and blood pressure, and protect arteries from clogging.
Nuts provide protein and fiber and, like other non-animal foods, have no cholesterol.
1 ounce a day is plenty for therapeutic purposes and shouldn't add pounds. Almonds did about the same in other research. Similar nuts rich in mono fats also should work, experts say. The Mediterranean Example. Nuts are high in magnesium, potassium, folic acid and calcium, and are among the few good dietary sources of anti-aging vitamin E. Specific nuts have special health attractions.