A daily handful of nuts can make a big difference to your health and longevity. Scientific research shows that people who eat nuts regularly are less likely to develop cardiovascular disease and even live longer than those who hardly eat nuts at all. This effect applies to various groups and ages, independently of other dietary habits.
Nuts are rich in healthy fats, plant-based proteins, fibre and important minerals such as magnesium and potassium. In addition, they contain antioxidants that protect the body against inflammation and damage by free radicals. These harmful processes play a major role in the ageing process and the development of chronic diseases.
The benefits for the heart are particularly large. People who eat nuts daily have a significantly lower chance of heart attacks and strokes. This is apparent not only from observations, but also from rigorously designed clinical trials, in which a Mediterranean diet with nuts reinforced the protection against heart problems. The risk of certain forms of cancer also appears to be lower with regular nut consumption.
The idea that nuts make you fat is incorrect. Studies actually show that nuts provide a feeling of satiety, making people less likely to overeat. Furthermore, not all the fat from nuts is fully absorbed by the body. This makes nuts a healthy and tasty addition to the daily diet without worries about weight gain.
For everyone who wants to age healthily, adding nuts to their daily routine offers a simple and pleasant way to reduce the risk of serious conditions and increase longevity.
Source: Buck Institute
