Longevity Increases With Nut Consumption

TARRAGONA, SpainIndividuals who consumed nutsespecially walnutsmore than three times a week have a reduced risk of dying from cancer or cardiovascular disease, according to a study published in BMC Medicine.

The PREDIMED study evaluated 7,216 men and women between 55 and  80-years-old on a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil or nuts and compared it to a control group that followed a low fat diet.

Those in Mediterranean regions consume more nuts than other countries, have a lower body mass index and a smaller waistline. In addition, thy are less likely to smoke and are more physically active than those who never eat nuts.

During a median follow-up of 4.8 years, 323 total deaths, 81 cardiovascular deaths and 130 cancer deaths occurred. Nut consumption was associated with a significantly reduced risk of all-cause mortality. Compared to non-consumers, subjects consuming nuts  more than three servings week had a 39% lower mortality risk.

Quite how nuts are able prevent premature mortality is not entirely clear, nor why walnut should be better for you than other nuts. Walnuts have particularly high content of alpha-linoleic acid and phytochemicals, especially in their skin both of which, along with fibre and minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium, may contribute to their healthy effect," said Prof Jordi Salas-Salvadó, from the Universitat Rovira i Virgili who led this study.

Previous studies have shown the same effects regarding cardiovascular disease and walnut consumption. The findings suggest alpha-linolenic acid, gamma-tocopherol and phytosterols found in walnuts may explain the positive effects of the walnut oil treatment.