‘60 grams of walnuts daily lowers heart disease risk’

Consuming about 60 grams of tree nuts, such as walnuts, daily may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, a new study has claimed.

After conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of 61 controlled trials, Michael Falk from Life Sciences Research Organisation in US, found that consuming tree nuts lowers total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and ApoB, the primary protein found in LDL cholesterol.

These are key factors that are used to evaluate a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease. Walnuts were investigated in 21 of the 61 trials, more than any other nut reviewed in this study, researchers said.

“Our study results further support the growing body of research that tree nuts, such as walnuts, can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases,” said Falk. “Tree nuts contain important nutrients such as unsaturated fats, protein, vitamins and minerals. Walnuts are the only nut that provide a significant amount (2.5 grams per one ounce serving) of alpha-linolenic acid, the plant-based form of ome-ga-3s,” Falk said.

Beyond finding that tree nuts lower total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and ApoB, researchers also found that consuming at least two servings per day of tree nuts, such as walnuts, has stronger effects on total cholesterol and LDL. Additionally, results show-ed that tree nut consumption may be particularly important for lowering the risk of heart disease in individuals with Type-2 diabetes.