What Nuts Are Highest in Lysine and Lower in Arginine?

Bad news: nuts have a low lysine/arginine ratio. This means they contain considerably more arginine than lysine, which is unfavorable for people with herpes since arginine is linked to outbreaks and may trigger cold sores.

On the bright side, arginine has health benefits, and its availability to the virus can be inhibited by adding more lysine through diet via dairy, animal products, or supplements.

But when it comes to nuts, some are better than others. Pistachios, cashews, and chestnuts have a lysine/arginine ratio of around 0.5, meaning they contain roughly half as much lysine as arginine.

Other nuts like peanuts, almonds, pecans, and walnuts have considerably lower ratios of around 0.25—that's three to four times more arginine than lysine!

Below is a comprehensive breakdown of lysine and arginine contents in nuts:

Nuts With The Highest Lysine / Arginine Ratio

Nuts	Lysine (mg/100g)	Arginine (mg/100g)	Lysine/Arginine Ratio
Pistachios	1281	2178	0.588
Cashews	154	294	0.523
Chestnuts	154	294	0.523
Peanuts	1006	3503	0.287
Almonds	664	2486	0.267
Pecans	292	1104	0.265
Walnuts	329	1416	0.232
Brazil Nuts	539	2386	0.226
Hazelnuts	340	1704	0.199
Pine Nuts	91	474	0.192
Hickory Nuts	33	211	0.156

Nuts ranked by their lysine/arginine ratio. From our food database.

1. Pistachios

Pistachios are pistachio tree seeds, known for their green color and slightly sweet taste.

These nuts contain 6g of protein per ounce and are a good plant-based protein source.

They're also good for energy with 161 calories per ounce. Pistachios have the highest lysine/arginine ratio among nuts, around 0.8.

This means they contain roughly half as much lysine as arginine, making them a better choice compared to similar foods.

2. Cashews

Cashews are seeds containing 5.2g of protein per ounce.

They're a good energy source with 157 calories per ounce.

These are rich in unsaturated fats and potassium, both of which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Cashews also have a lysine/arginine ratio close to 0.5, making them a better choice among nuts for those looking to increase their lysine intake.

3. Chestnuts

Chestnuts are true nuts that are a good carbohydrate source.

They contain 3.2g of protein per 100g and provide 245 calories per 100g.

They're rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, and essential minerals like manganese and copper. Chestnuts, like pistachios and cashews, have a lysine/arginine ratio around 0.5, which is higher than most other nut types.

4. Peanuts

Peanuts and peanut butter are nutritionally rich and very high in both lysine and arginine, but they contain roughly three times more arginine with a lysine/arginine ratio of around 0.30.

Despite their name, peanuts are actually legumes.

They contain 25.8g of protein per 100g and provide 567 calories per 100g. Peanuts are a good unsaturated fat and fiber source, making them a good choice for people on low-carb diets.

5. Almonds

Almonds are a nut type that's a good plant-based protein source, with 6g of protein per ounce.

They provide 164 calories per ounce and are rich in unsaturated fats.

These nuts also contain a significant amount of copper, a mineral essential for energy production, healthy brain development, and a strong immune system. Almonds have a lower lysine/arginine ratio of around 0.25, indicating higher arginine content compared to lysine.

6. Pecans

Pecans are true nuts that are high in unsaturated fats. They contain 2.6g of protein per ounce and provide 196 calories per ounce. They're also a good fiber source, which helps keep you regular and supports healthy gut bacteria growth. Pecans, similar to almonds, have a lysine/arginine ratio of around 0.25, suggesting arginine dominance over lysine.

7. Walnuts

Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fats. They contain 4.3g of protein per ounce and provide 183 calories per ounce. They're also a good antioxidant source, even after cooking. Walnuts, like pecans and almonds, have a lysine/arginine ratio of around 0.25, signifying a greater arginine presence.