What Nuts Are Highest in Lysine and Lower in Arginine?

Nuts are generally not a good fit for a high-lysine, low-arginine diet. Almost every variety contains significantly more arginine than lysine, with ratios ranging from around 0.5 down to as low as 0.15. This makes them one of the food groups most associated with triggering herpes outbreaks in people who are sensitive to arginine.

That said, some nuts are less problematic than others. If you are not willing to eliminate nuts entirely, knowing which ones have the best relative ratio can help you make smarter choices. Pairing any nut with high-lysine foods like dairy can also help offset the arginine load.

Below is a breakdown of common nuts ranked by their lysine-to-arginine ratio:

Nuts Ranked by 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 have the best lysine-to-arginine ratio among common nuts at around 0.59.

They still contain more than twice as much arginine as lysine, but the gap is smaller than in almost any other nut.

They are a reasonable choice if you want to include nuts in your diet and are pairing them with high-lysine foods like dairy.

Pistachios provide around 6g of protein per ounce and are a good source of fiber, B vitamins, and copper.

2. Cashews

Cashews have a lysine-to-arginine ratio of around 0.52, making them the second-best option among common nuts. They are also a decent source of magnesium and unsaturated fats. Their relatively mild flavor makes them easy to incorporate into recipes without overpowering other ingredients.

3. Chestnuts

Chestnuts are nutritionally distinct from other nuts: they are low in fat and high in carbohydrates, and one of the few nuts that contain vitamin C. Their lysine-to-arginine ratio is similar to cashews at around 0.52. Roasting chestnuts is a common preparation and does not meaningfully change their amino acid profile.

4. Peanuts

Peanuts are technically legumes, not nuts, but they behave similarly in the diet.

Their lysine-to-arginine ratio is around 0.29, meaning they contain roughly three times as much arginine as lysine. Peanut butter has a similar profile.

People prone to cold sores are often advised to limit peanuts, as they are one of the most arginine-dense foods commonly eaten in large quantities.

5. Almonds

Almonds are nutritious, high in vitamin E, magnesium, and healthy fats, but they have a poor lysine-to-arginine ratio of around 0.27. They are a commonly reported trigger food for people who are sensitive to arginine. If almonds seem to precede outbreaks for you, reducing your intake is worth testing.

6. Pecans

Pecans have a ratio similar to almonds at around 0.26. They are high in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which are generally beneficial, but their arginine content is a drawback for herpes management. Use them sparingly and pair with lysine-rich foods when you do.

7. Walnuts

Walnuts are well regarded for their omega-3 content and cardiovascular benefits, but they have one of the lower lysine-to-arginine ratios among common nuts at around 0.23. They can be part of a healthy diet, but quantity matters. A small handful as part of a mixed meal is very different from eating a large serving on its own.