We often hear people say that eating nuts is good for our health. That's true — they're full of healthy oils, plant protein, fiber, and antioxidants. Almonds, walnuts, cashews, pistachios...

they're delicious and easy to snack on. But here's the key question: how much is too much? Just like any other food, eating too many nuts might cause trouble. Let's figure this out together.

How much is the right amount?

Experts generally suggest that a healthy adult should eat about a handful of nuts a day — that's around 28 to 30 grams, or roughly 20 to 25 whole almonds. This small portion gives us healthy fats and nutrients without loading our body with too many calories. For most of us, that's just a palm-sized serving, not a full bowl.

What happens if we eat too many?

Nuts are high in calories. A handful of almonds has about 160 to 180 calories. If we mindlessly snack on them while watching TV or working, it's easy to go way over the limit. Over time, this could lead to unwanted weight gain or cause issues for people with sensitive digestion, like bloating or stomach discomfort. Also, many store-bought nuts come with added salt or sugar, which increases our risk of high blood pressure or blood sugar spikes if we're not careful.

Different nuts, different effects

Let's break it down a bit more:

• Almonds: Great for heart health and rich in vitamin E. Stick to 20-25 per day.

• Walnuts: High in omega-3s. A small handful (7-9 pieces) is enough.

• Cashews: Creamy and tasty, but also high in calories. Keep it to about 15-18 pieces.

• Pistachios: Lower in calories per nut, but easy to overeat. Try 30-40 pieces max.

• Macadamia nuts: Rich and buttery, but very calorie-dense. 10-12 nuts are plenty.

Each type has its own strengths, so we can mix a few types to enjoy different nutrients — just remember not to go overboard.

Best times to eat nuts

We don't need to treat nuts like an emergency snack all day long. The best times to eat them are:

• As a mid-morning or afternoon snack to help us feel full longer.

• With breakfast, sprinkled on oats or blended in smoothies.

• Before or after a workout, to fuel up or help with recovery.

Just avoid snacking late at night, when we tend to eat too much without realizing it.

Should kids eat nuts too?

Yes — as long as they're not allergic. For kids, the portion should be smaller: about half a handful. You can chop nuts and mix them into yogurt or oatmeal. Whole nuts may be a choking risk for toddlers, so make sure they're in safe forms for younger children.

Tips for healthy nut habits

Here's how we can make nut-eating healthier:

• Choose unsalted and unsweetened versions.

• Store nuts in airtight containers to keep them fresh.

• Don't keep large jars on the table — pre-portion them into small bags or containers.

• Combine nuts with fruit or yogurt for a balanced snack.

Let's eat smart, not just healthy

We all want to eat healthier, and nuts are a smart choice — but only in the right amount. It's easy to think that if something is good, more must be better. But that's not how our body works. Too much of even a healthy snack can throw off the balance. So let's enjoy nuts mindfully, one small handful at a time.

Lykkers, what's your nut habit?

Do you snack on almonds while working? Sprinkle walnuts in your salad? Or maybe you've noticed yourself eating a whole bag without thinking? Let us know how you include nuts in your daily life — and whether you've tried cutting back to the ideal portion. We'd love to hear your tips and thoughts!