Nuts
IN PHOTO: A vendor sells dry fruits and nuts at a market in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu province, March 14, 2007 Reuters/Stringer

Peanut has been one of the most popular nuts to use for nut butter. However, people are exploring other types of nuts that taste just as good and are even healthier.

Here are some nut types that you can use as an alternative to peanut.

1. Sunflower seed

It comes from the sunflower plant and offers several health benefits. Sunflower seeds control cell damage and are a great source of selenium, which will prevent cancer. These also contain magnesium, vitamin E and copper which eliminate stress and help people calm their nerves.

2. Almond

Almond butter is also becoming quite popular because of its great taste and various health benefits. Almond helps improve cholesterol levels and contains vitamin E and zinc. It also has flavonoids that get rid of toxins and free radicals in the body to prevent conditions like diabetes and cancer. A study conducted at the Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute showed that almond intake helps prevent heart disease and metabolic syndrome.

3. Cashew

Cashew nuts are rich in protein and carbohydrates but low in fat. The fat in cashew usually comes from oleic acid, a monounsaturated oil which improves cardiovascular health. These also contain zinc and potassium. A lot of people eat cashew for its high iron content. These will be ideal for making low-fat nut butter.

4. Brazil nut

The nut has a lot of polyunsaturated fatty acids and is a rich source of selenium. Brazil nuts can also prevent allergies, cancer, cardiovascular disease and inflammation. Brazil nuts also have a lot of magnesium which improve nerve health and relieve premenstrual syndrome.

5. Pecan nut

Pecans have a unique taste and are rich in vitamin E. A study published on Ilovepecans.org showed that pecan intake helped reduce the risk for stroke. Pecan has cholesterol-lowering properties that improve cardiovascular health. The vitamin E in pecan nuts also help improve skin appearance, blood flow and mental health. Other nutrients to get from pecans include folic acid, vitamin A, zinc and phosphorus.

More companies are using other nuts to attract consumers. People are also realizing that there are other nuts that taste better and are healthier than peanuts.