Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds come in many types. Though they are high in oil, they offer "good fats"

Nuts and seeds come in many varieties. Although most nuts and seeds have a high oil content, they provide “good fats” such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

Why are nuts and seeds superfoods?

Nuts and seeds contain many beneficial elements such as heart-healthy fats, omega 3s, plant sterols, fiber, plant protein, vitamin E, selenium, and calcium. They also help prevent inflammation and are rich in antioxidants.

  • Nuts can help suppress hunger because of their protein, fat, and fiber content.
  • Crushed nuts add texture and flavor to foods.
  • You can enjoy nuts and seeds as a snack (handful), sprinkle on top of salads or cereal, and add to smoothies or trail mix.

Nuts and seeds and kidney disease

Nuts and seeds contain potassium and phosphorus. The amount you can have each day will depend on your stage of kidney disease or the type of dialysis you receive.

Kidney disease and transplant recipients

Most people with CKD or a kidney transplant do not have to limit nuts and seeds due to potassium or phosphorus. If your laboratory results show higher levels of potassium, a kidney dietitian may talk with you about how much to eat. Find a kidney dietitian

Hemodialysis (3 times a week)

Potassium and phosphorus can be a concern for nuts and seeds. Limit to ¼ cup portion. Use the chart on the next page to choose nuts and seeds that will fit your kidney diet plan. For example, macadamia nuts and pecans are lower in potassium and phosphorus than peanuts and almonds

Daily home and nocturnal hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis

These types of dialysis can remove more potassium, so you may need to eat more potassium foods. The amount of phosphorus you may have will depend on your blood phosphorus level. Use the chart on the next page to choose nuts and seeds that will fit your kidney diet plan.

Kidney stones

If you have a history of calcium oxalate stones, talk with your doctor or kidney dietitian about the need to limit oxalates. Almonds, mixed nuts without peanuts, and sesame seeds are high in oxalates.

Nuts and seeds facts

Nuts and seeds
(1/4 cup)
Phosphorus (mg)Potassium (mg)Protein (g)
Roasted pumpkin seeds151473
Macadamia nuts631242.7
Pecan halves691012.3
Hazelnuts841964.3
Sunflower seeds100801.7
English walnuts1011294.5
Peanuts1332328.9
Cashews1501805
Almonds1502006
Pistachios1502906
Black walnuts1541577
Pine nuts1942024.6

 

Nut butters (2 tablespoons)Phosphorus (mg)Potassium (mg)Protein (g)

Almond butter

1632406.7
Peanut butter1081807.2
Sunflower seed butter2141845.5

 

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Recipe

Green beans, hazelnuts, and dried cranberries 

Makes 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1½ pounds fresh (or frozen) green beans
  • ½ cup hazelnuts
  • 12 cups water
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • ⅓ cup shallots, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Spread hazelnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until the skins begin to split, turn once.
  3. Transfer toasted nuts to a colander or dish and rub briskly with a towel to remove the skins. Coarsely chop nuts.
  4. Bring 12 cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add beans, cook 4 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and plunge into ice water, drain. Pat beans dry.
  5. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add oil to pan, swirl to coat. Add shallots, cook until lightly browned. Add beans, cook 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring occasionally. Add cranberries and hazelnuts, cook 1 minute. Sprinkle with lemon zest.

 

Nutritional facts per serving

Calories199
Carbohydrates17 g
Protein4 g
Fat14 g
Sodium19 mg
Potassium246 mg
Phosphorus73 mg

For more information, contact the National Kidney Foundation

Toll-free helpline: 855.NKF.CARES or email: nkfcares@kidney.org

*This content is provided for informational use only and is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for the medical advice of a healthcare professional.

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© 2024 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. This material does not constitute medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. Please consult a physician for specific treatment recommendations.