Researchers with the Linda Loma University in California have examined the data from 25 different studies into nut consumption and concluded nuts are good for your cholesterol health.
Eating an average of 64 grams or 2.4 oz. of nuts per day decreased total cholesterol by an average of five per cent, according to published reports of the study. The low-density lipoprotein (LDL) often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, was cut by seven per cent and there was an improved ratio of LDL to HDL (high-density lipoprotein), also known as “good” cholesterol.
Read Also
Preg-checking season is the perfect time to re-evaluate your beef cows’ nutrition
Copper, zinc and selenium are three critical minerals often deficient in Canadian beef cow herds, farmers can break that cycle for their next calf crop.
However, the researchers also found that the heart health benefits of nut consumption were dose-related and most strongly correlated with thinner people than those with higher baseline LDL cholesterol.
They said more research was necessary to better understand why nuts are less effective in lowering cholesterol in people who are obese.
It didn’t seem to matter which types of nuts were eaten. All are high in unsaturated fat, as well as containing fibre, protein, and antioxidants.
However, researchers cautioned that due to their relatively high calorie content, keeping daily consumption to around three oz. is advisable.
The research, which is published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, was partly funded by the International Tree Nut Council Nutrition Research and Education Foundation.
