Here’s some good news: One of our favorite snack foods is extremely nutritious. Nuts can help strengthen bones, lower cholesterol, regulate blood pressure, and prevent cancer. Which nuts are the healthiest and what can they do for you?

• Almonds have more vitamin E and calcium than most nuts. Just 1 ounce provides about 35 percent of your daily requirement for vitamin E and 8 percent of your daily calcium. Their high fiber content helps to keep your gastrointestinal tract balanced for a healthy colon. Because more than 60 percent of their fat is monounsaturated, almonds can help lower cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease.

• Hazelnuts are loaded with iron and flavonoids that can help strengthen blood vessels and may prevent urinary tract infections. The vitamin E and sterols in hazelnuts help lower cholesterol to keep your heart healthy.

• Pistachios have more potassium than most nuts and are high in protein, making them a great post-workout recovery snack. A serving of pistachios is also lower in calories than any other tree nut.

• Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help prevent inflammation and cardiovascular disease. Their powerful antioxidants support your immune system and fight cancer.

Enjoy nuts on their own or include them in healthy recipes. Keep in mind, however, that nuts are dense in calories, so keep your portion size to a handful a day.