Phytochemicals are compounds that are potentially beneficial to people, but not currently classified as vitamins or minerals. Some nuts contain up to eight different forms of sterols, which are thought to help moderate cholesterol levels. Nuts appear to contain a number of these phytochemicals, although further analysis needs to be conducted as new technology is developed to measure exact amounts. While many Americans eat too much of it, we need to consume some fat in our diets. An ounce of nuts has between 165 and 200 calories and between 14 and 21 grams of fat.
Most nuts are very low in saturated fats.
Opinion polls have show that many people mistakenly believe that nuts contain cholesterol. There is no cholesterol in nuts, since they are a plant product, and cholesterol is found only in animal products.