Can you eat nuts when you have cholesterol?

Do you know the benefits of nuts? They are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, a type of acid that is nutritionally good for our body, indicates Doctor Faïza Bossy, nutritionist.

And to specify: “Walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts… contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which help lower bad cholesterol, LDL, and increase HDL, good cholesterol.”

Also read: Can you eat ham when you have cholesterol?

Nuts and cholesterol go well together

“It is possible to have high cholesterol because good cholesterol is high. So we consider it entirely possible to eat nuts.”

But even if you suffer from bad cholesterol, it is recommended to eat nuts. “You will thus increase the good cholesterol to create a balance between the two”explains the specialist.

Nuts, useful for the proper functioning of the brain

During Antiquity, nuts were known to be beneficial to the brain, because their shape was reminiscent of that of this organ. Although this justification seems convoluted, it is not a preconceived idea.

“Nuts are indeed foods that promote brain activity” confirms Dr. Bossy. “The connections between neurons are made via kinds of wires. These wires must be lubricated to ensure good transmission of information. However, the polyunsaturated fatty acids in nuts provide this good fat, which improves brain connections “.

Watch out for the calories in nuts!

Additionally, nuts are rich in omega 3, “especially walnuts”she specifies. “Omega 3 has anti-inflammatory effects on the artery walls, which limits oxidative stress and protects against cardiovascular disease.”

Another positive point: nuts are rich in fiber, “what is good for the digestive tract”.

On the other hand, they have the disadvantage of being high in calories. Doctor Faïza Bossy therefore advises eating it in moderate quantities. “In general, we recommend a handful per day,” explains the specialist.

Indeed, “like any fatty food, if consumed in too large quantities, they can contribute to increasing the risk of type II diabetes.” Walnuts are also not recommended for people suffering from kidney stones, because of the oxalic acids they contain. The latter in fact fix calcium in the body and if they are found in too large quantities in the urine, they promote the formation of stones in the kidneys.