By: Mark Lange, PhD
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found eating five or more servings of nuts a week is associated with a 14% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 20% lower risk of coronary heart disease, compared to those who do not consume nuts.
The data from over 210,000 people were pooled from the Nurses’ Health Study questionnaire. The researchers found that eating walnuts one or more times per week is associated with a 19% lower risk of CVD and 21% lower risk of CHD. Those who ate peanuts or tree nuts two or more times per week saw nearly the same benefit. However, no correlation to reduced risk was seen in those who consumed peanut butter.
The FDA approves of a qualified health claim for nuts, “scientific evidence suggests, but does not prove, that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.”
Resources:
J. Am College of Cardio. November 2017, Vol 70, Issue 20
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