Are Nuts and Seeds Healthy? The Debate Between Dr. Fuhrman and Dr. Nelson

When it comes to the health benefits of nuts and seeds, the opinions of medical professionals can sometimes be polarizing. Two prominent voices in this discussion are Dr. Joel Fuhrman and Dr. Jeff Nelson. While Dr. Fuhrman is an advocate for the consumption of nuts and seeds, claiming they offer vital health benefits, Dr. Nelson contends that the research supporting these claims is flawed and influenced by industry interests. This post will compare their perspectives, focusing on their use of studies and logic, to help you make an informed decision.

Dr. Joel Fuhrman’s Perspective: Health Benefits of Nuts and Seeds

Dr. Fuhrman asserts that nuts and seeds are essential components of a healthy diet. He points to various studies that suggest the regular consumption of nuts and seeds can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and increase longevity. According to Dr. Fuhrman, these foods provide crucial nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants, which contribute to overall well-being.

Use of Studies and Reasoning

Dr. Fuhrman relies heavily on studies that show a positive association between nut and seed intake and health outcomes. He argues that the absence of these foods in a diet can lead to increased mortality and higher risks of cardiovascular diseases. Dr. Fuhrman’s logic is straightforward—if studies show that nuts and seeds offer health benefits, then they should be included in a balanced diet. However, his rhetorical style is rather bold, and suggestive of someone with conflicted interests. As Dr. Nelson points out, Dr. Fuhrman has been given grants and special awards by various industry players. He has also published his own commercial research that does not disclose his financial profit promoted by the study. This kind of non-disclosure is commonly accepted and seldom corrected by journals.

Dr. Jeff Nelson’s Perspective: Skepticism About Research Quality

Dr. Nelson holds a more skeptical view, questioning the quality and credibility of the studies that claim nuts and seeds are beneficial. He argues that much of the research is funded by the nut manufacturing industry, which has a vested interest in promoting these foods as "superfoods". Dr. Nelson points to a 2012 study as an example of flawed research, asserting that the findings were skewed to favor the industry’s interests.

Use of Studies and Logic

Dr. Nelson emphasizes the importance of independent research. He cites a study involving 61,000 participants, which found no significant health effects from nut consumption when factors like age and physical fitness were accounted for. According to Dr. Nelson, when healthier habits are factored in, then the purported benefits of nuts disappear. He also highlights a broader issue in scientific research—about 30% of studies have undisclosed conflicts of interest, which can significantly impact their outcomes. He cites the extensive research of Dr. Marion Nestle: "Paying for a study practically ensures that the industry funding the research gets the result they want." 

Points of Agreement and Disagreement

Agreement

Both doctors agree on one crucial point—research quality matters. They both acknowledge that industry-funded studies can be biased, although they draw different conclusions from this acknowledgment. Dr. Furhman believes that industry-funded research can be unbaised, but has also has failed to disclose his conflicts of interest in studies he ran. 

Dr. Nelson argues that the industry-funded studies are unreliable and that independent research shows no net benefit or even potential harm when other factors are considered.

Conclusion and Recommendations

For Nutrition Seekers

If you are looking to incorporate nuts and seeds into your diet, consider moderation and context. While some studies suggest potential health benefits, others question their validity due to possible conflicts of interest. Since each person's body is different, including a variety of whole foods in your diet may offer a more balanced approach to nutrition. There is nothing nuts have that would make them something to rely upon nutritionally, except some minerals. For example, one of the best sources of selenium is Brazil nuts, but you only need a single nut to provide sufficient amounts. As noted by one study, "Brazil nuts have a large differential in relation to the portion size and effects on human health. One nut (approximately 5.0 g) is sufficient to increase serum selenium concentrations, as well as the activity of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase" (2). Similarly, one of the only vegetarian sources of Zinc is in pumpkin seeds, but could not provide sufficient amounts unless one consumed several cups a day.

To enhance absorption of nutrients, and to make nuts easier to digest, many naturopaths and nutritionists reccomend sporuting them. 

For Medical Professionals

It's crucial to critically evaluate the sources of research and their funding. Encourage patients to consider the broader context of their diet and lifestyle rather than focusing solely on individual foods. Keep up with the latest independent research to ensure you're making evidence-based dietary choices. If you're still unsure, consider consulting with a nutritionist or dietitian who can provide personalized advice for your patients based on the latest research.

Summary

In summary, while Dr. Fuhrman and Dr. Nelson offer differing perspectives on the health benefits of nuts and seeds, both highlight the importance of scrutinizing research quality. Dr. Nelson's arguments that nuts provide no additional benefits to a already-healthy diet, seem to be confirmed in the independent research, and only not in the research funded by those with conflicts of interest. Plenty of evidence exists that because nuts are a dense protein, that unless they are sprouted, they can cause stress on the digestive system. The phytates in nuts actually bind to many nutrients, including the important minerals they are eaten for, making the supposed nutritional absorbability of nuts unkown. By sporuting them, the phytates are reduced, making them more digestible.  

For Further reading

Check out this article by Chris Kresser M.S., L.Ac.: Another Reason You Shouln't Go Nuts on Nuts

References

1. Dr. Jeff Nelson. "Is Dr. Furhman Right About Nuts? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PEoMr23KPo 

2. Cominetti C., de Bortoli M.C., Purgatto E., Ong T.P., Moreno F.S., Garrido A.B., Jr., Cozzolino S.M. Associations between Glutathione Peroxidase-1 Pro198Leu Polymorphism, Selenium Status, and DNA Damage Levels in Obese Women after Consumption of Brazil Nuts. Nutrition. 2011;27:891–896.