Nuts can be eaten in many forms — whole, blended into nut butters, or chopped and added to meals.

They’re easy to find both in stores and online, and they come in countless varieties, such as salted, unsalted, seasoned, plain, raw, or roasted.

For the best health benefits, it’s ideal to eat nuts raw or lightly toast them in the oven at temperatures under 350°F (175°C). Dry-roasted nuts are also a good choice, but it’s best to avoid those roasted in vegetable or seed oils.

Nuts store well at room temperature, making them perfect for travel or quick snacks. But if you plan to keep them for a longer period, refrigerating or freezing them will help maintain their freshness.

The Bottom Line

Eating nuts on a regular basis may improve your health in many ways, such as by reducing diabetes and heart disease risk, as well as cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

This nutritious high-fiber treat may even aid weight loss — despite its high calorie count.

As long as you eat them in moderation, nuts make for a tasty addition to a healthy, balanced diet.