Research has shown an association between eating large amounts of nuts and a lower chance of developing diabetes, hypertension and other harmful health conditions.We’ve all heard that eating nuts is good for you. Research has shown an association between eating large amounts of nuts and a lower chance of developing diabetes, hypertension and other harmful health conditions. And in 2003, the FDA approved a health claim that eating 1.5 ounces of nuts a day, as part of low fat and cholesterol diet may reduce the risk of heart disease. And now here’s the latest that expands on those earlier findings: a new study suggests the high-protein snack may actually decrease the risk of death from a number of chronic diseases.The research, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, found that consuming at least 10 grams of nuts or peanuts (about half a handful) per day was associated with a lower mortality rate from respiratory disease, neurodegenerative diseases (a category that includes Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease), diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.
Peanut butter, however, was not found to have any protective benefits. Because it contains additional ingredients such as salt and vegetable oils, its consumption was not found to be associated with lower risk of death.
One possible reason for the association between eating tree nuts and peanuts and lower death rates is that both contain so-called “good fats”—monosaturated and polysaturated—as well as fiber and various vitamins.
But keep in mind that the relationship could be causal. The research can’t prove whether it’s something in nuts that contributes to our health or if people who eat nuts tend to eat fewer chips and other unhealthier snacks.
Curated from CBS News
