Nuts are packed with flavor — and . Adding a handful of almonds or walnuts to your day is an easy way to get a little more fiber, protein and heart-healthy fats in your diet. But, if you have to choose between almonds and walnuts, is one healthier than the other? "Both walnuts and almonds are a very healthy part of the diet," says Natalie Rizzo, registered dietitian and TODAY.
com nutrition editor. That means choosing the healthiest nut is somewhat subjective, Rizzo explains, and depends on your individual preferences and health goals. and walnuts both contain good amounts of many healthy nutrients, with potential benefits for your gut health, heart health and brain health.
Here's how to decide which nut makes more sense in your diet — or if both deserve a place in your day. In a 1-ounce serving of , you'll find: In an ounce of , you'll get: Almonds and walnuts both contain plant-based protein, which helps keep you feeling full. Protein also supports muscle building and repair, as well as many other bodily processes.
"Almonds are a , with 6 grams in each ounce, so they are a healthy snack to keep you full in between meals or to eat after a workout for muscle recovery," Rizzo explains. While almonds provide 6 grams of protein and 160 calories per serving, walnuts will give you a little over 4 grams of protein for 185 calories. Those numbers are quite similar.
But if you're keeping an eye on your protein and calorie intake, almonds have a slight edge. "Per ounce, walnuts are.
