We’ll explain in this article how you can include nuts in a renal diet. It starts by better understanding the potassium content of different types of nuts.
A lot of nuts are very high in potassium so if you're on a renal diet it would be wise to limit your intake of nuts. However, there are low potassium nuts that you still can eat. Sometimes it's just about the portion size as we'd discuss later in the article.
Great For Heart Health
Many studies have shown that routine consumption of nuts protects heart health. The healthy fats like poly-unsaturated and mono-unsaturated fats help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol.
Low & High Potassium Foods
Potassium is an important mineral found naturally in many foods. Potassium helps keeps your heartbeat regular and your muscles and nerves working well. When you're living with renal disease, kidneys have trouble keeping your potassium level balanced, which could put your health at risk.
Low potassium foods are generally considered to be under 200 milligrams of potassium per serving.
High potassium foods are generally considered to be over 200 milligrams of potassium per serving.
Benefits of Adding Nuts to a Renal Diet
Many studies have shown that routine consumption of nuts protects heart health. Healthy fats like poly-unsaturated and mono-unsaturated fats help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol.
Your brain also benefits from a healthy fat diet. Adding nuts to the diet can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's and protect cognitive function.
There have also been studies that looked at nuts and diabetes prevention. Those who consume nuts frequently have had better blood sugar levels.
Nuts are also a great source of fiber.
Lowest Potassium Nuts
Here are the nuts that are the lowest in potassium.
Walnuts
Walnuts have just 125 milligrams of potassium in a one-ounce serving. A one-ounce serving of walnuts is about 14 shelled walnut halves.
Pecans
Pecans have 116 milligrams of potassium in a one-ounce serving. This is approximately 15 shelled pecan halves.
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are the lowest potassium nuts. They provide only 103 milligrams of potassium in one ounce. One ounce of mac nuts is approximately 12 nuts.
Highest Potassium Nuts
We do have a couple of nuts that are considered quite high in potassium. They may need to be limited for those on a low potassium diet.
Almonds
Almonds have 202 milligrams of potassium per ounce. An ounce of almonds contains about 24 nuts. They just missed the cut at qualifying for the low potassium nuts!
Pistachios
Pistachios are the highest in potassium. They have 285 milligrams of potassium per ounce. An ounce of pistachios is about 49 nuts.
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