Does Roasting Nuts Make Them Toxic?
Monica Reinagel, MS, LD/N, CNS
Ask the Diva: Does Roasting Nuts Make Them Toxic?
Q. I’ve read a lot of conflicting advice about roasted nuts, ranging from “raw nuts are better than roasted, but roasted are still good” to the other extreme of “roasting nuts makes a healthy food into a toxic food.” Specifically as regards weight loss, which is correct?
Answer. Roasting doesn’t change the amount of fat or calories in nuts. However, it can be easier to over-eat roasted nuts, especially if they’re salted. To the extent that raw nuts aren’t quite as compelling as roasted nuts, they might offer an advantage for weight loss. But roasting nuts does not make them toxic. In fact, in some cases, roasting increases antioxidant levels, as I talked about in the episode Are Peanuts Good for You?
Nuts image courtesy of Shutterstock
About the Author
Monica Reinagel is a board-certified licensed nutritionist, author, and the creator of one of iTunes’ most highly ranked health and fitness podcasts. Her advice is regularly featured on the TODAY show, Dr. Oz, NPR, and in the nation’s leading newspapers, magazines, and websites. Do you have a nutrition question? Call the Nutrition Diva listener line at 443-961-6206. Your question could be featured on the show.