According to a study published in the British Medical Journal, nuts are associated with increased life expectancy, especially when it comes to keeping blood vessels healthy, as well as reducing the risk of heart disease.
This is because nuts contain a polyunsaturated fat called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). These fats are found in walnuts, flaxseeds, as well as soybeans and other plant foods.
The study was a systematic review of 41 articles assessing the risk of mortality from eating ALA-rich foods. Data were analyzed on 120,000 people aged 18 to 98, taking into account other factors such as weight, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and calorie intake.
“Higher ALA intake was associated with risk reduction in all-cause mortality, CVD and coronary heart disease by 10.8% and 11% respectively,” the researchers concluded.
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