Snacking on Nuts May Extend Your Life

Snacking on Nuts May Extend Your Life

Handful of Nuts for Longevity

Did someone tell you that eating a few nuts every day will extend your life considerably? Yes, it is definitely true - the health benefit of eating nuts everyday is sure to take up your life span by a few notches. Studies have revealed that the biggest reduction in deaths among the nut-eaters was for deaths from respiratory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Popping in about a handful of nuts, which is roughly equal to 15 grams, is enough to bring down the risk of death. Wouldn't you love that?


What Are The Health Benefits Of Nuts?

Health Benefits of Nuts

Nuts are rich in nutrients, such as unsaturated fatty acids, fiber, vitamins, phenolic antioxidants, arginine and other phytochemicals. Nuts and heart disease are interlinked as nuts are known to improve heart health by reducing inflammation. While it is not clearly known why about the long life benefit of eating nuts, it is seen that all nuts contain compounds that have definite health benefits, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. But, bad news for peanut lovers, for the health benefits of nuts doesn't extend to peanut butter.The salt and vegetable oils in the butter contains Trans fatty acids,do not make it conducive for extending life.You may well ask the question "How does consumption of nuts increase longevity?" Research studies and clinical trials have shown us that health benefits of eating nuts include lower cholesterol and oxidation, and improved arterial function and blood sugar levels. And, this definitely leads to longevity.


How Many Nuts Should You Eat?

People who consumed nuts lived significantly longer - whether they were old or young, fat or thin, whether they exercised more or not, smoked, drank, or ate foods that affected mortality. Can you eat too many nuts? People often ask the question "How many nuts do you have to eat to increase one's lifespan?" You don't really have to eat much to get the health benefits of eating nuts - just a few servings a week are enough to boost your lifespan and lower cancer rates. But make sure that you get the health benefit of nuts by eating them directly and not in the form of energy bars, sugar-covered nuts, and peanut sauces. And remember, stick only to a handful of nuts every day - if you eat more than that, you are going to negate the effects and start adding weight.


What Nuts Should I Eat?

An apple a day keeps the doctor away is the old saying, but the new saying is - If you want to live longer, eat a handful of nuts. You can practically eat any type of nut - almond, walnut, cashew, pistachios, peanut, or any other nut that you like.

Pistachios and Diabetes

Pistachios have been reported to have preventative effects on diabetes because of their richness in mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids - substances which reduce blood sugar levels and improve the body’s metabolism.

Walnuts are called the King of nuts as they boost your health in a number of ways. Walnuts contain omega-3 fat alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is anti-inflammatory and may prevent the formation of pathological blood clots. Walnuts also help you in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.

Cashew nuts have antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects, and ethanol extracts from cashew leaves are used for oral care and has proved to be more effective than the regular mouth washes.

Almonds were found to significantly lower low-density lipoprotein and trigylcerides and improve cardiovascular health.


Almonds for Heart Health
All types of nuts offer the health benefits— peanuts, walnuts, almonds, cashews, and pistachios. A diet of nuts also helps you to stay trim by keeping the kilos off your body

Studies have revealed that people can get various type of health benefits of nuts - less inflammation linked to heart disease and cancer; lesser fat around the internal organs; better blood sugar levels; and lower blood pressure.

People who ate nuts every day showed a 20 percent lower death rate. And, it has been proved beyond any doubt that nuts are a good source of protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.

With such a horde of health benefits of eating nuts, let's avail of these benefits by eating a handful of nuts every day.

Reviewed By:

Dr. Kaushal M. Bhavsar (MBBS, MD)

Assistant Professor in Pulmonary Medicine, GMERS Medical College, Ahmedabad