Nuts lower cholesterol levels

The study of 600 people showed that eating a small bag of nuts – on average 67g – a day reduced cholesterol levels by 7.4%.

The researchers from Loma Linda University believe nuts may help prevent the absorption of cholesterol.

UK experts said the research showed nuts were an important part of a healthy diet, but warned against eating nuts covered in sugar or salt.

The study was conducted over a period of three to eight weeks, and proved to not only to improve cholesterol levels but it also reduced the amount of triglyceride – a type of blood fat that has been linked to heart disease.

However, the least impact was among the overweight.

It is not clear why nuts have this effect, although it has been suggested that it is down to the plant sterols they contain, which are though to interfere with cholesterol absorption.

Lead researcher, Joan Sabate said increasing nut consumption, as part of a healthy diet should be recommended.

“The effects of nut consumption were dose related, and different types of nut had similar effects,” ha added.

Ellen Mason, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, agreed, but urged people to go for unsalted nuts.

“Apart from slated peanuts at the pub, nuts in sugary cereals or the traditional Christmas selection, nuts have been largely lacking in our diets in the UK,” she said.

By Deepika Dudakia