For years researchers have been studying the effects of dietary fats and cholesterol on blood cholesterol levels, particularly LDL cholesterol levels. However, little attention has been given to the possible protective effect of specific foods. For example, nuts are high in unsaturated fats, which can lower total blood cholesterol and improve the lipoprotein profile. Epidemiological findings indicate that eating nuts frequently may help protect against fatal and non-fatal heart disease, including heart attacks. This article provides a review of the epidemiological evidence linking nut consumption with coronary heart disease, and addresses some of the biological mechanisms by which nut consumption may reduce coronary risk.
Most people savor nuts but worry about the heavy load of fat they pack.
Such nutritional concerns may be misplaced, based on a number of new clinical trials. This chapter reviews human studies regarding the effects of whole almonds and walnuts on blood lipid levels. Although the studies differ in methodology, the overriding consensus is that almonds, walnuts and possibly other nuts with a similar nutrient composition, have a cholesterol lowering effect.