Types of Nuts: Origin, Description, Nutritional Properties and Key Facts

Eating different types of nuts is healthy for our brains and bodies. Nuts are one of nature's most amazing snacks, small, crunchy, and packed with goodness. They are a rich source of nutrients such as protein, fat, fibre, minerals and vitamins. Humans have been eating many different types of nuts for years. Let’s explore the names of different types of nuts and learn where they come from along with their health benefits.

Table of Contents

• What are Nuts
• Types of Nuts and their Origin
• Health Benefits of Eating Different Types of Nuts
• Interesting Facts about Types of Nuts

What are Nuts

A nut is a single-seeded hard shelled fruit that has a very high oil content. These fruits are called dry fruits as the fruit dries and turns into a wooden shell with a seed inside it. Nuts grow on trees and have many health benefits that promote our mental and physical well-being. Here is a list of common nuts with their names, origin and health benefits.

Types of Nuts and their Origin

1. Almonds: They are the most commonly consumed nut world wide. It is packed with high monounsaturated fats, vitamin E and manganese that is good for our bones and metabolism. Eating almonds saves our brain cells from stress, improves our synaptic memory and boosts our cognitive abilities. Almonds grow in warm and dry climates in India, USA and Spain, with the USA as the largest producer and consumer of almonds.
2. Pistachios: These are high-fiber protein packed crispy nuts with a cracked shell. They are a rich source of healthy fat, fiber, proteins and other nutrients such as vitamin B6. The plant based proteins and vitamin B6 is good for blood sugar regulation and formation of hemoglobin in our body. They usually grow in hot and warm climates in parts of the USA, Iran and Turkey.
3. Walnuts: This brain-shaped nut is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids that support brain function and keeps our heart healthy. Eating walnuts can help elevate mood. It has special antioxidants and anit-inflammtory properties that make them highly beneficial for our health. They are mostly grown in China, Iran and the USA.
4. Cashews: These kidney shaped nuts have a crunchy and creamy texture, making them a perfect choice for both sweet and savory dishes. They are a rich source of vital nutrients that support bone health and produce collagen as well as aids in iron absorption. They grow at the bottom of a fruit called cashew apple. Originally from Brazil, cashews are today grown in other parts of the world with India and Vietnam being its largest producers.
5. Peanuts: Full of protein, peanuts are an energy booster snack that is good for building muscles and repairing the body. Peanuts are originally legumes but due to the similar taste and appearance they are considered as nuts. They are widely grown in India, USA and China.
6. Hazelnuts: These delectable nuts are simply impossible to resist. They are good for reducing inflammation and lowering cholesterol in our bodies. Mostly grown in Turkey, Italy and Azerbaijan these nuts are loaded with vital nutrients like vitamin B6 which is good for our brain and heart health. 
7. Brazil Nuts: These nuts are a good source of mineral called selenium which have shown anti-cancer properties. They are a good source of zinc, magnesium and copper. It helps improve thyroid function and boosts immunity. They are produced in South America, Brazil and Peru. 

Health Benefits of Eating Different Types of Nuts

Weight Management: Eating nuts aids in promoting metabolism and maintaining healthy weight. They are high in fiber and keep us fuller for longer which helps in weight loss.

Heart Health: Nuts are good sources of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats and are good for heart health. They help reduce cholesterol and the risk of heart diseases.

Brain Booster: Nuts promote brain development and cognitive abilities as they are rich in polyphenols and antioxidants. 

Cancer Prevention: Many nuts have high selenium that has anti-cancer properties that can help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.

Diabetes Management: The fibre and proteins in nuts help to regulate blood sugar level. Consuming nuts in balanced quantities may lower the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. 

Interesting Facts about Types of Nuts

• Consuming almonds can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
• Almonds are not really nuts, they are drupes of fruits similar to peaches and plums.
• Pistachio trees can live up to 300 years.
• Peanuts are not actually nuts, they are legumes.
• Chocolate-hazelnut spread Nutella uses about 25% of the world's hazelnut.