The Best Nuts For Nutrition

Deciding to include nuts in your diet can help lower low-density cholesterol, or LDL, according to MayoClinic.com. Nuts are also packed with vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber and other nutrients. Consuming a wide array of nutritious nuts helps lower your bad cholesterol, improve your good cholesterol, aid in weight loss and provide several other health perks.

Almonds

According to MayoClinic.com, almonds help keep your blood vessels healthy while lowering your cholesterol. This occurs due to their polyunsaturated omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids -- nutrients that promote healthy heart functions and prevent cardiovascular diseases. Almonds also provide riboflavin, magnesium, vitamin E and manganese.

Walnuts

Consuming walnuts helps decrease LDL. On average, these nuts provide 2.6 g of omega-3 nutrients per ounce, writes Dr. William Castelli in "Cholesterol Cures." Along with preventing heart disease, omega-3s may help prevent rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. They are also rich sources of copper and manganese.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts are beneficial in lowering bad cholesterol levels. These nuts contain monounsaturated fatty acids -- the dietary fats that lower bad cholesterol while increasing good cholesterol. "The Journal of Nutrition" reports that 1 cup of macadamia nuts provides an estimated 79 g of this healthy fat, while also providing thiamin and manganese.

Pecans

Pecans grow in the Southwest and Southeast regions of the United States. According to "Cholesterol Cures," pecans are rich nut sources of monounsaturated fatty acids, magnesium, vitamin A, dietary fiber, vitamin E and B vitamins, zinc, and calcium. These healthful nuts may lower bad cholesterol and promote heart heath if eaten on a regular basis.