1. Peanuts Peanuts are technically a legume that grows underground, but they are consumed as nuts for their taste, texture and nutritional value.
There is a reason why peanuts are America’s favorite nut: They are affordable, shelf-stable and nutritious, boasting more than 7 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber per ounce-serving.
2. Almonds Almonds check off the nutritional and culinary criteria.
This nut is a powerhouse, offering a range of nutrients, including fiber and antioxidants, both of which contribute to good heart health. These nuts provide 3.5 grams of fiber for every 23 kernels, which provides more than 10% of your daily fiber needs.
3. Pistachios Pistachios deserve an honorable mention because they also have a stellar nutritional profile, including blood pressure-regulating potassium, immune-supporting vitamin B6, and bone-building manganese.
Emerging research shows that consuming pistachio regularly may improve the health of your gut microbiome by increasing the concentration of beneficial bacteria.
There are a host of reasons to eat nuts. If you were to look solely at the protein content, then peanuts, almonds and pistachios are our top picks.