Nuts are often praised for their health benefits — they’re high in good fats, fiber, and antioxidants. But according to health educator, not all nuts are good. In fact, some types of nuts can do more harm than good if eaten improperly or in excess.
Here are 5 nuts you should avoid or control with caution.
🚫 1. Peanuts (Especially Non-Organic)
While technically a legume, peanuts are often assembled with nuts. Unfortunately, they are highly easy to aflatoxins — toxic mold byproducts realted to liver damage and even canc3r.
🔸 Risk: Aflatoxin contamination, especially in poorly stored or non-organic peanuts
🔸 Health impact: Liver toxicity, allergic reactions, inflammation
What to do instead: Select organic peanut butter with no added sugars or opt for almond or cashew butter.
🚫 2. Brazil Nuts (In Excess)
Brazil nuts are loaded with selenium — a trace mineral that’s crucial in small doses. However, too much selenium can cause selenosis, a condition that causes hair loss, nausea, and nerve damage.
🔸 Risk: Selenium overdose (just 3–4 Brazil nuts can exceed daily limits)
🔸 Health impact: Hormonal imbalance, fatigue, and potential toxicity
Tip: Consume only 1–2 Brazil nuts per day if you enjoy them.
🚫 3. Bitter Almonds (Raw, Wild Varieties)
Unlike sweet almonds, bitter almonds consist of amygdalin, a compound that can transform into cyanide when ingested.
🔸 Risk: Natural cyanide production from raw bitter almonds
🔸 Health impact: Nausea, dizziness, and even life-threatening poisoning
Important: Bitter almonds are prohibited or restricted in some countries. Always opt for commercially available sweet almonds.
🚫 4. Cashews (Raw, Unprocessed)
Raw cashews sold in stores are actually steamed to get rid of a dangerous resin called urushiol — the same toxic oil found in poison ivy.
🔸 Risk: Skin irritation, gastrointestinal distress if consumed raw and unprocessed
🔸 Health impact: Allergic reactions and inflammation
Choose wisely: Always consume processed or roasted cashews, never true “raw” ones.
🚫 5. Macadamia Nuts (For Pets – and in Large Amounts for Humans)
Macadamias are tasty and packed with fats, but they’re also very rich in calories, which can contribute to weight gain and insulin resistance if over-consumed.
🔸 Risk: High fat content, risk of overconsumption
🔸 Health impact: Obesity, digestive issues
🐶 Dangerous for pets: Macadamias are toxic to dogs even in small quantities!
Moderation matters: Consume a small handful per day and store safely away from pets.
✅ Safer Alternatives to Enjoy
If you’re concerned about the risks but still love snacking on nuts, try:
- Soaked and sprouted almonds
- Organic walnuts (in moderation)
- Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds as alternatives
- Homemade nut milks from soaked nuts to reduce phytic acid
