Nutrients and bioactive compounds in nuts: implications for human health

Nuts (tree nuts and peanuts) are nutrient-dense foods, rich in unsaturated fatty acids and fibre, micronutrients such as non‑sodium minerals and vitamins, bioactive non-nutritive compounds such as polyphenols and phytosterols, and other bioactive molecules that play an important role in human diets through the promotion of health and well-being. Their consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of several non-communicable diseases, lower all-cause mortality, and contributions to weight management and healthy aging. The health-promoting properties of nuts make their dietary inclusion clinically significant. This review examines the nutritional composition and bioactive profiles of nuts, as well as the effects of processing, with particular emphasis on the bioaccessibility of nut-derived polyphenols, their mutual interactions with the gut microbiota, the positive effects of exposure to nuts on a wide range of health outcomes, and the molecular mechanisms underlying them. A substantial body of evidence, including observational cohort studies and randomized clinical trials, has consistently reported beneficial associations of nut consumption with lower risk of chronic conditions such as obesity, hypertension, elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, cardiovascular diseases, particularly coronary heart disease, and cancer, among others. Furthermore, a review of global dietary guidelines consistently recommends regular nut consumption, a practice further supported by various authorized health claims that officially recognize their cardiometabolic benefits. Overall, nuts are highly nutritious foods that substantially contribute to the nutrient adequacy of the diet while reducing the risk of chronic disease. The critical role of nuts in personalized nutrition strategies is underscored and the emerging potential of nut coproducts as functional ingredients is gaining attention. The optimal composition of nuts justifies their recognition as among the healthiest foods available worldwide.