The role of nuts in the optimal diet: Time for a critical appraisal?

During the last decades, nuts have attracted the attention of researchers for their
potential benefits in cardiovascular prevention. We discuss here some aspects of the assumed
beneficial effects of nuts, weighing them against potential harm. Epidemiological observations
and controlled intervention trials consistently suggest that nuts consumption is associated with
improved serum lipid profile, thus helping decrease cardiovascular risk. Being nuts an energy
dense food, their impact on energy balance and body weight should be considered. In particular,
the claim that adding nuts to the habitual diet, thus increasing calorie intake, does not
cause body fat accumulation still needs evidence and biological plausibility. The potential risk
associated with the relatively frequent occurrence of allergic reactions following the consumption
of nuts is also discussed.