Nut Butters

Nut butters are loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. These fats help increase HDL cholesterol—the good kind—while keeping LDL cholesterol—the bad kind—in check.

“Almond butter is the highest in healthy fats, with about three grams more of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat per serving compared to peanut butter,” says Glassman. (It’s also slightly higher in nutrients like the antioxidant vitamin E.)

Although most nuts have been found to promote heart health, adding salt can negate this benefit. However, Grassby says a small amount of added sugar isn’t necessarily bad if it means people eat nut butters instead of sugary snacks. But nut butter with added ingredients might be healthier than no nuts at all.