The Science Behind Nuts: Surprising Benefits for Heart Health

A new study published in the journal Food Nutrition Research, involving 1.8 million participants across 60 surveys, examined the connection between heart health and nut consumption. The research team investigated the relative risk of heart attack or stroke compared to the number of nuts consumed daily.

The researchers from Scandinavia discovered that eating small amounts of nuts and seeds daily is beneficial in reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

The results showed that nut consumption led to reduced blood fats, but did not affect blood pressure. According to the researchers, further investigation is needed to assess whether eating nuts lowers the risk of stroke and type 2 diabetes.

"If you eat a handful of nuts every day - that's about 30 grams - you'll have a 20% to 25% lower risk of cardiovascular diseases," explained study author Erik Kristopher Arnesen from the University of Oslo's Nutrition Department.

Is there a specific type of nut especially beneficial for lowering cholesterol? According to the researchers, no, but almonds, pistachios, and walnuts are believed to be the best choices, and it's recommended to eat as many as possible. If not possible, even a few nuts can be effective.

"Nuts have a beneficial effect on blood cholesterol levels, which is important to keep low to prevent fat build-up in the arteries. Atherosclerosis is one of the biggest risk factors for heart attacks," explained Arnesen.

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