Research consistently shows that people who eat nuts as part of a balanced diet have lowered their LDL (low-density lipoprotein or "bad") cholesterol levels in their blood and improved their immune system.   If you are trying to prevent or fight cancer, nuts like almonds, which contain laetrile, walnuts, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and selenium-rich nuts like Brazil nuts and soy nuts are probably the best nuts to eat.

Nuts are as:

• Low in saturated fat
• High in fiber, protein and vitamin E
• High in phytochemicals that act as antioxidants (similar to grapes and tea)

High LDL is one of the primary causes of heart disease, so nuts' ability to lower LDL cholesterol seems to be quite beneficial.  Many nuts are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids which, combined with vitamin E, works wonders for your immune system.

Omega-3s are a healthy form of fatty acids that seem to help your heart by  - among other things - preventing dangerous heart rhythms that can lead to heart attacks. Omega-3 fatty acids are also found in fish, but nuts are one of the best plant-based sources of omega-3s.

Nuts contain a lot of fat; as much as 80 percent of a nut is fat, but it is a good fat. Even though most of this fat is healthy fat, it's still a lot of calories, so make sure to consume them in moderation.  You should have a handful of nuts per day.