Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
Want to fight cancer, heart disease, diabetes and premature death and enjoy a tasty snack at the same time?
Then you’re in luck.
As it turns out, one of the world’s most popular snack foods can beat back some of the worst killer diseases around — and it won’t break your wallet.
In fact, you can enjoy this tasty treat for just peanuts a day — literally.
If you haven’t already guessed it… the delicious snack I’m talking about is nuts.
And the best news — it looks like any kind of nut (including peanuts) can keep you alive and kicking.
Scientists made this discovery by analyzing data from 29 studies that looked at 800,000 people and how often they ate nuts.
Throughout the study, the researchers uncovered many health benefits linked to eating nuts. However, it seemed there was a specific amount that had the greatest effect — 20 grams, or about a handful.
Folks who were eating this amount of any variety of nuts daily slashed their risk of dying from a respiratory illness in half and saw a 30 percent decrease in heart disease, 22 percent lower risk of premature death and a 15 percent lower risk of cancer.
If that’s not a superfood, I don’t know what is.
But the good news got better…
Folks who enjoyed nuts regularly also reduced their risk of diabetes by almost 40 percent.
Experts believe nuts may have such positive health effects because they are rich in fiber, healthy fats, nutrients and antioxidants. These properties can help fight heart disease, reduce weight gain and even fight off oxidative stress, which is linked to many diseases.
However, as I said, it seems 20 grams a day is the threshold for these amazing results. Folks who ate more than 20 grams of nuts a day saw no added health benefits.
So while you’re out this weekend, pick up some nuts — they’re a delicious way to keep yourself healthy.
Live well,
Natalie Moore
Managing editor, Living Well Daily
Ed. Note: Please send your feedback: nmoore@lfb.org – and click here to like us on Facebook.
Sources
[1] A handful of nuts a day cuts the risk of a wide range of diseases
