They were smoking less, exercising more, more likely to drink alcohol and were thinner. They also ate less meat and had a better profile of fat intake. There was a dose effect up to the five times per week with middling intake offering middling protection. Nuts are low in saturated fat, naturally cholesterol free and high in monounsaturated fat. They also provide vitamin E, folic acid, vitamin B6, niacin, magnesium, zinc, copper and potassium.
Nuts are high in the amino acid arginine.
Research has shown that arginine is a dietary precursor of nitric oxide, a potent endogenous vasodilator that acts much like nitroglycerin. As a result, recommendations regarding nuts have recently changed. This advice also applies to patients trying to lose weight. When nuts are consumed as a snack - the temptation to consume more than a handful is probably greater.