Walnuts increase lifespan
Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming nearly 17.9 million lives each year, according to the World Health Organization.
But a new Harvard study has some encouraging news: regular consumption of nuts is linked to a longer lifespan and a lower risk of death from heart disease, reports the Times of India.
Harvard study finds link between nuts and longevity.
Scientists from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health conducted a large-scale study, published in the journal Nutrients, to examine the impact of nut consumption on lifespan. The results showed that the frequency and amount of nut intake were directly linked to a lower risk of death and longer life, especially among older adults.
"What we learned from this study is that even a few handfuls of nuts a week can help promote longevity, especially in those whose diet quality is not good to begin with. It's practical advice that can be implemented by many people who want to improve their health, which is a top priority for many of them," said Yanping Li, a senior research scientist in the Department of Nutrition at Harvard and the study's lead author.
Results show positive health effects
The researchers analyzed data from more than 93,000 participants: 67,000 women from the Nurses' Health Study and 26,000 men from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. At the start of the study, the participants were in their early 60s, with no history of heart disease, cancer, or stroke. Their dietary and lifestyle habits were monitored for 20 years, from 1998 to 2018.
The results showed that those who ate five or more servings of nuts per week (one serving is about 28 grams) had:
A 14 percent lower risk of death from any cause, a 25 percent lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease.
Even people who consumed two to four servings per week saw significant benefits—a 13 percent lower risk of total death and a 14 percent lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Interestingly, even a small increase in consumption, just half a serving per day, was associated with a 12 percent lower risk of death and a 26 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease mortality.
Why are nuts so beneficial?
Walnuts are a true nutritional treasure trove. A 28-gram serving contains 4 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber, 45 milligrams of magnesium, and 2.5 grams of the omega-3 fatty acid ALA, which has been shown to support heart health and reduce inflammation in the body.
Their composition makes them a perfect addition to a diet aimed at heart health, cholesterol regulation, and the prevention of chronic diseases.
