Why We’re Nuts About Nuts: Heart-Healthy Benefits and Tasty Ways to Add Them to Your Thanksgiving Meal

If you check out the ingredient lists on Step One Foods products, you’ll see a common theme—they’re packed with nuts. Why? Because nuts are exceptionally good for our health!

The Health Benefits of Nuts

For starters, nuts are rich in healthy fats, which help lower cholesterol levels. They’re also a great source of fiber, which keeps you feeling fuller longer and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. Plus, nuts contain L-arginine, a compound that dilates arteries, improves blood flow, and helps lower blood pressure.

All these health benefits contribute to significantly improved health outcomes. A  Harvard study involving over 200,000 participants found that those who regularly ate nuts, including walnuts, tree nuts, and peanuts, experienced a lower risk of heart disease compared to those who rarely ate them. For instance, eating walnuts at least once a week was linked to a 21% lower risk of coronary heart disease. Similarly, eating other nuts (including peanuts) two or more times a week showed similar heart-health benefits.

These findings align with another major trial, the PREDIMED study, which revealed that eating walnuts more than three times a week was associated with a 47% reduction in deaths from heart disease. To put that in perspective, quitting smoking or taking a statin reduces heart disease death risk by 36%. Nuts really are a heart-healthy powerhouse!

No wonder some doctors call raw nuts “little health capsules.” And no wonder you’ll find raw nuts—especially walnuts—in every Step One product.

How to Add Nuts to Your Thanksgiving Feast

Now that you know how beneficial nuts are for your health, here are a few ideas to incorporate them into your Thanksgiving meal. Boost the health quotient of your feast while still keeping things tasty and festive!

Add Nuts to Your Stuffing

No matter what type of stuffing your family enjoys, tossing in a handful of pecans, cashews, or walnuts can enhance the flavor and keep hearts healthy.

Serve Nut-Inspired Desserts

From pecan pie to nut loaf, there are plenty of nut-centric desserts that can become part of your Thanksgiving tradition. So go ahead and bake with nuts!

Top Steamed Veggies and Salads with Nuts

Sprinkle slivered almonds over lemon green beans or top a salad with pomegranate seeds, sliced pear, and walnut pieces. These side dishes are loaded with nutrients, good for your heart and waistline, and look fantastic on your holiday table.

Serve Nuts as an Appetizer

Offering a bowl of raw nuts as guests gather is a great way to start the meal on a healthy note. Raw nuts are always the best option, but lightly salted varieties work too. You can also mix raw and salted nuts together to reduce sodium intake.