Nuts used to be considered high-risk snacks. That’s because they are high in fat. Cardiologists worried that regular nut consumption might clog coronary arteries.
A large study published in The New England Journal of Medicine finally puts that fear to rest once and for all. Epidemiologists analyzed data from the Nurses Health Study and the Health Professionals’ Follow-Up Study. Over 100,000 participants in both groups completed food questionnaires every two to four years for decades.
In addition to other dietary information, participants were specifically asked about nut consumption. Those people who ate a handful of nuts daily had a 20% reduced mortality rate over three decades. They were also 11% less likely to die from cancer and 29% less likely to die from heart disease over the 30-year period.
[New England Journal of Medicine, Nov. 21, 2013]
Almonds and walnuts are among the favorite foods featured in our book, The People’s Pharmacy Quick & Handy Home Remedies, from National Geographic. If you’ve ever wondered how to follow a Mediterranean diet, a DASH diet or a low-carb diet, you’ll find the advice you need in our book Recipes and Remedies from The People’s Pharmacy.
