The Nutty Studies

My mom has an article for everything. Much like the grandmother on “The Middle”—she will read, research, print and provide the appropriate advice for the deserving family member.

It actually saves me a ton of time finding current health issues to write about. This most recent study featured in the Atlanta Journal Constitution is blanketing television stations and newspapers. If you haven’t heard what this study reveals about regular nut eaters—listen up.

If you are like me, I love nuts but eat them in moderation for fear of what the fat content may do to my middle. I may be rethinking my consumption of them because according to new evidence ‘eating nuts has been tied to lower risk of death and staying slimmer’.

“There’s a general perception that if you eat more nuts you’re going to get fat. Our results show the opposite,” said Dr. Ying Bao of Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

An article in the Atlanta Journal Constitution by Marilynn Marchione reported findings from this 30-year Harvard study on nut eaters. The results of the largest study ever done showed that ‘regular nut eaters were less likely to die of cancer, heart disease or any cause than those who never ate nuts, making it clear that nut consumption affects mortality.’

In fact this study of 119,000 men and women found that those who ate nuts of any kind, roughly every day were 20 percent less likely to die during the study period than those who never ate nuts.’ In addition “the risk of dying of heart disease dropped 29 percent, and the risk of dying of cancer fell 11 percent among those who had nuts seven or more times a week compared with people who never ate them.”

Although researchers can’t quite pinpoint why nuts have this affect on your health—they speculate that because of evidence from earlier studies, it could have to do with their natural properties.

Nuts have unsaturated fatty acids, minerals and other nutrients that lower cholesterol and inflammation and reduce the risk of other health related concerns.

At your next holiday party—go for the nuts! About a quarter cup a day will help you stay slimmer and live longer.

For questions or concerns email: suzannemcginnis@me.com