Nuts to Cholesterol
Again I found a story that I think is interesting muiy well share with you. We all know that nuts are very healthy (like everything in moderation), but for us we have left any doubt, here goes:
Especially with a diet of red meat and fast foods
Walnuts, hazelnuts, pistachios … More than a few tasty snacking components can now be considered allies of the anti-cholesterol fight. In one study, a handful of these foods can help keep a lid on all the bad cholesterol (LDL).
Who can benefit most if they introduce nuts into your daily diet are those with high LDL cholesterol levels or who have a diet based on meat and fast foods. This is the conclusion the group of Spanish researchers from Loma Linda University in California and the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona has carried out this work.
According to these authors, previous studies have linked intake of these foods with higher levels of blood lipids and, therefore, the prevention of coronary heart disease. But “this study also confirm this hypothesis, examine what other factors modify the effects.”
According to the results, the effects “were similar between men and women in different age groups, moreover, were independent of the type of nuts consumed.” On the contrary, especially significant reductions were recorded among those with high LDL cholesterol levels, low body mass index and those who consumed an unhealthy diet, based on fast foods and red meat.
To reach these conclusions, the Spanish team analyzed the cases of 583 individuals on a total of 25 investigations carried out in seven countries on the effects of nuts on cholesterol. They were divided into two groups: the cholesterol without medication (high blood cholesterol) and the normolipidemia (adequate levels of cholesterol). All ate an average of 67 grams of any type of nuts.
After a few weeks, the study authors found that total cholesterol decreased by 5.1%, 7.4% levels of LDL, ie LDL cholesterol or bad, and 8, 3% of HDL (good cholesterol). The best results agreed in those subjects who met the above features, such as following an unhealthy diet.
With these findings, those responsible for this research are committed to include nuts in therapeutic diets to prevent heart disease. “They are rich in protein, fiber, minerals, vitamins and other components such as antioxidants and phytosterols (plant sterols)” and help reduce blood cholesterol and, therefore, the risk of cardiovascular events.