Eating Nuts Improves Lipid Levels

The consumption of nuts of nearly any type improves blood lipid levels, lowering total- and LDL-cholesterol levels, and improves important lipid ratios. The cholesterol-lowering effects of nuts are dose related and more pronounced in individuals with higher baseline LDL-cholesterol levels and in those with a lower body-mass index (BMI), according to investigators in the May issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.

The authors add that a recent summary of these previous epidemiological studies suggested that the risk of coronary heart disease was nearly 40% lower among individuals who ate at least four servings of nuts per week, compared with those who rarely or never ate nuts. In 2003, the Food and Drug Administration issued a qualified claim stating that the consumption of specific nuts--almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios, walnuts, and peanuts--might reduce the risk of heart disease.

There was no significant effect on HDL-cholesterol levels and no effect on triglycerides.The effect of consuming nuts was similar in men and women and across different age groups and was observed regardless of the specific nut consumed and regardless of the study funding source.

Bonnie - theseresults should not come as a surprise to my clients. Nuts are a staple not only of my Circle of Health, but the Mediterranean Diet.