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Brazil nut - Rich in selenium, health benefits may include: reducing cholesterol levels, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

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Major Brazil-nut producing countries -

Bolivia, Brazil, Peru.

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Walnut - An excellent source of the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid, health benefits may include: improving factors related to heart health, including blood pressure and circulation, reducing inflammation, and improving cognitive brain function.

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Major walnut-producing countries - Argentina, Chile, China, France, Greece, Hungary, India, Iran, Italy, Moldova, North Korea, Poland, Turkey, Ukraine, USA.

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Almond - Containing lots of nutrients, health benefits may include: reducing "bad" LDL cholesterol, aiding weight loss, and helping to lower the rise in blood sugar in diabetics.

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Major almond-producing countries - Afghanistan, Australia, Chile, Greece, Iran, Israel, Italy, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia, Turkey, USA.

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Hazelnut - Very nutritious, health benefits may include: reducing total cholesterol, "bad" LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and increasing the amount of vitamin E in the blood.

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Major hazelnut-producing countries - France, Greece, Italy, Russia, Spain, Turkey, USA.

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Pecan - Packed with beneficial nutrients, health benefits may include: lowering "bad" LDL cholesterol levels, and improving antioxidant profiles in blood.

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Major pecan-producing countries -

Australia, Israel, Mexico, South Africa, USA.

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Peanut - Not technically a nut—they're legumes. Brimming with nutrients, health benefits may include: reducing risk factors for heart disease and diabetes.

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Major peanut-producing countries - Argentina, China, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan, USA, Vietnam.

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Macadamia - Very high in monounsaturated fat, health benefits may include: reducing risk factors for heart disease, and lowering both total and "bad" LDL cholesterol.

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Major macadamia-producing countries - Australia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Israel, Malawi, South Africa, Thailand, USA (grown in Hawaii).

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Chestnut - Rich in potassium, health benefits may include: helping to regulate blood pressure, increasing antioxidant profiles in blood, and easing respiratory disorders, according to Natural Food Series.

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Major chestnut-producing countries - China, France, Greece, Hungary, Japan, Korea, Portugal, Spain, Turkey and, more recently, Australia, Chile, New Zealand, USA.

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Pistachio - High in fiber, health benefits may include: increasing "good" HDL cholesterol, and improving blood pressure and oxidative status (blood levels of oxidized chemicals, which can contribute to heart disease).

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Major pistachio-producing countries - Greece, Iran, Italy, Syria, Turkey, USA.

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Coconut - Botanically a stone fruit rather than a nut, rich in fiber and packed with vitamins and minerals, health benefits may include: improving immune system health, helping to prevent kidney and bladder disorders, and improving insulin secretion, according to Sun Warrior.

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Major coconut-producing countries - Brazil, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Sri Lanka.

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Pine nut - High in essential vitamins and minerals, health benefits may include: helping to maintain psychological health, strengthening bones, and boosting the immune system, according to Natural Food Series.

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Major pine nut-producing countries - China, Italy, Lebanon, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, USA.

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Cashew - Bursting with nutrients, health benefits may include: improving blood pressure in people with metabolic syndrome, and increasing antioxidant profiles in blood.

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Major cashew-producing countries -

Brazil, China, Guinea Bissau, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania, Thailand, USA, Vietnam.

See also: Fascinating photos of foods before they are harvested

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