Nuts are good for your health, it’s proven: half a handful each day would be enough to reduce mortality by 23%.
Eating nuts isn’t just good for the taste buds. Ten grams is enough to reduce the risk of premature death, according to a study in theInternational Journal of Epidemiology. The benefit is particularly strong in neurodegenerative and respiratory diseases as well as in diabetes.
Half a handful of nuts every day: that’s all you need to hope to live longer. 12,000 Dutch (55-69 years) participated in this study. They specified the quantity of nuts they consumed on a daily basis. For 10 years, their health was monitored.
People who ate at least 10 grams of nuts or peanuts every day had a 23% reduced risk of dying prematurely. The benefit is even greater for neurodegenerative diseases, with a risk reduced by 45%. It remains strong in respiratory diseases (-39%) and in diabetes (-30%). Peanut butter does not have this effect, possibly due to its high content of trans fats and salt.
Oilseeds have already been linked to many cardiovascular health benefits. “It is remarkable to observe a substantial reduction in mortality at a consumption level of around 15 grams of nuts per day. Higher consumption was not associated with an additional reduction in the risk of mortality, ”notes Professor Piet van den Brandt, lead author of the study.
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