Eating nuts may help you live longer!
In one of the largest studies of its kind, people who regularly eat nuts appear to live longer.
It has been suggested the greatest benefit was in those munching on a daily portion.
Nut eaters are also more likely to also have healthy lifestyles, but the nuts themselves were also contributing to their longer lifespan.
The study followed nearly 120,000 people for over 25 years. The more often people ate nuts, the healthier they are likely to be.
People eating nuts once a week were 11% less likely to have died during the study than those who never ate nuts.
Up to four portions was linked to a 13% reduction in deaths and a daily small portion of nuts cut the death rate during the study by 20%.
Experts have said that the most obvious benefit was a reduction of 29% in deaths from heart disease, but we also a significant reduction – 11% – in the risk of dying from cancer.
Eating nuts was linked to a healthier lifestyle – including being less likely to smoke or be overweight and more likely to exercise.
Nuts are good for lowering cholesterol, inflammation and insulin resistance in addition to lowering coronary heart disease.
Nuts contain unsaturated fats, protein and a range of vitamins and minerals and make a good swap for snacks like chocolate bars, cakes and biscuits.
Choosing plain, unsalted options rather than honeyed, salted, dry-roasted or chocolate-covered will keep your salt and sugar intake down according to experts.
