Nuts for the Heart

Nuts are known to contain "good" fats, which is unsaturated. Unsaturated fats, the monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in plant foods, such as nuts, have been shown to decrease low density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad” cholesterol) levels. On the other hand, Saturated fats, that is usually found mainly in animal products, raise blood cholesterol levels, which can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.

More than 40 studies have shown that including nuts in the diet can reduce the risk of heart disease regardless of the individual nut studied. Researchers in one study found that, although the benefits were greatest for frequent nut eaters, people who ate nuts even once a week had 25% less heart disease than those who did not consume nuts. In another study, women who ate five or more ounces of nuts per week had one-third fewer heart attacks than those who rarely or never ate nuts. Similar findings have been seen in men.

What are you waitng for? Go Nuts for your Heart!