Nuts could prevent heart disease and diabetes

Researchers believe a daily dose of nuts can help you slim down and lower your cholesterol

Researchers believe a daily dose of nuts can help you slim down and lower your cholesterol.

A research team from Louisiana State University looked at over 13,000 men and women and split them into groups according to their nut intake. Those who ate more than a quarter of an ounce of cashews, almonds, hazelnuts, brazil nuts, pistachios or walnuts a day were classed as 'tree nut consumers'.

WALNUTS NAMED HEALTHIEST NUT

‘One of the more interesting findings was the fact that tree nut consumers had lower body weight, as well as lower body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference than non-consumers,' says study author Carol O’Neil.

Tree nuts contain high levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (good cholesterol) and low levels of C-reactive proteins, which are a main cause of inflammation of the heart or body.

A HANDFUL OF NUTS A DAY CAN BEAT BELLY FAT Consumers were also 5% less likely to suffer metabolic syndrome that can cause stroke, heart conditions, high cholesterol and diabetes.

Maureen Ternus, executive director of the International Tree Nut Council Nutrition Research and Education Council says: ‘In light of these new data and the fact that the FDA has issues a qualified health claim for nuts and heart disease with a recommended intake of 1.5 ounces of nuts per day, we need to educate people about the importance of including tree nuts in the diet.’

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