Once criticized for their fat content, nuts have successfully transformed their image and are now considered a vital component of healthier products. Their consumption has expanded beyond snacks to include grain-free items, gluten-free flours, and dairy-free milk alternatives. According to figures from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the daily per capita consumption of nuts in the United States rose by 26% between 2000 and 2010. During this period, nutritionists began to highlight the benefits of nuts, and consumers became more aware of sources of “good fats.”
Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revised its definition of “healthy” to encompass high-fat products such as almonds and avocados, aligning more closely with the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This revision followed a challenge from snack bar manufacturer Kind, which received an FDA warning letter stating that its products could not be labeled as “healthy” due to their saturated fat content, despite the fat being sourced from nuts. The FDA ultimately reversed its stance, allowing Kind to use the term “healthy” on its packaging.
This latest research supports the health advantages of nuts. A qualified health claim linking tree nut consumption to a reduced risk of heart disease was one of the first approved by the FDA back in 2003. Earlier this month, macadamia nuts were added to the list of specific nuts that manufacturers can cite on product labels for their heart health benefits, which already includes walnuts, almonds, and pistachios.
Moreover, as consumers increasingly look for nutritious options, discussions around various supplements have also come to the forefront, such as calcium citrate malate vs calcium citrate. Understanding the differences between these two forms of calcium can help individuals make informed choices about their dietary supplements. As nuts continue to gain recognition for their health benefits, the inclusion of calcium-rich products in a balanced diet remains a vital consideration.