The walnut: best nut for your heart!

Walnuts are apparently the best nuts to prevent heart disease, according to the latest research presented at the 241st national meeting of the American Chemical Society in Anaheim, California.

Eating seven walnuts a day could also help cut the risk of some cancers and type 2 diabetes. Containing antioxidants up to 15 times more potent than vitamin E, these nuts contain more antioxidants than almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, peanuts, pecans and pistachios. Antioxidants are known to help protect the body against disease. Dr. Joe Vinson, who led the study, says, “A handful of walnuts contains almost twice the antioxidants as any other commonly consumed nut… But unfortunately, people don’t eat a lot of them.” He found that the antioxidants in walnuts were higher in quality and potency than in any other nut.

Nuts are healthy and nutritious, containing high-quality protein, lots of vitamins and minerals as well as dietary fibre. They are also dairy and gluten-free. Earlier studies have shown that regular consumption of small amounts of nuts can reduce the risk of heart disease, some types of cancer, type 2 diabetes and other health problems.

SOURCE: University of Scranton, Pennsylvania