Q: I don’t like the taste of raw nuts, so I snack on roasted. Will I get the same health benefits?
comstockcomplete.com A: There are all kinds of nuts, and some are better than others. Nuts are certainly a healthier snack than chips or candy, but they may lose up to 10% of their healthy oils when roasted. And cooking at high temperatures may even cause the formation of chemicals that promote aging. Here’s a guide to nut snacking, from most healthy to least:
- raw and freshly refrigerated
- freshly toasted or dry roasted
(in your oven) - roasted in their own fat and salted (in a package)
- roasted in partially hydrogenated fat, and even worse if they’re sugared.
It takes only eight weeks to change your taste buds, so we urge you to give nuts another chance — especially since they’re linked to a decreased risk of heart disease and cancer. Your best bet? Raw walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts: Walnuts rank highest in healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Check expiration dates, since nuts can go rancid quickly, and store them in the fridge to keep them fresh.
