It is cost effective also, since studies show patients receiving medical nutrition therapy require fewer hospitalizations and medications and have fewer complications. However, there is no consistency in reimbursement for nutrition services, either under Medicare or privately. Two recent studies, both conducted by the Lewin Group, a Fairfax, Va., independent health policy research firm, support the health benefits and cost savings of medical nutrition therapy. The other study, conducted by Lewin for the Department of Defense, estimates that costs of medical nutrition therapy would be more than offset by reductions in money spent, for inpatient and outpatient services, treating people with diabetes, cardiovascular disease and kidney disease. True, nuts are high in fat, but new research shows they may protect against heart disease.
Nuts contain mono and polyunsaturated fats as opposed to saturated fats.
These fats seem to actually be good for you. They exert a lowering, or at least stabilizing, effect on LDL cholesterol. Scientists are also studying the magnesium, vitamin E and fiber content of nuts as possible factors. Magnesium, for example, is an important mineral in heart muscle function. Old studies have suggested these results before.