If you’ve been looking for a healthy snack, you might consider nibbling on some nuts whenever you get a little peckish. Walnuts are full of healthy fats and have been found to be some of the healthiest snacks you can eat. Of course you can always take some almonds either cashew nuts when you feel hungry, but you may want to eat some walnuts due to the fact that a new study has found that they are an ideal choice for staying healthy as you age.
During the Coronary Artery Risk Development Study in Young Adultswhich was published in Nutrition, metabolism and cardiovascular diseases, 3,023 participants between the ages of 18 and 30 were initially asked about their eating habits at the beginning of the study, as well as after seven years and 20 years. Specifically, those involved were found to be eating an average of three-quarters of an ounce of nuts every day. Beyond that, over the course of 30 years, the participants underwent tests that noted their physical and clinical measurements.
When the researchers looked at the long-term health of the participants, they found that those who ate nuts regularly since they were younger continued to have a better diet, engaged in more physical activity, and were less likely to be at risk for heart disease. as they got older.
Read on to learn more about how the findings of this new study can help you age healthily, and for more healthy aging tips, check out Snacking habits that are increasing your risk of heart disease.
“Nut eaters seem to have a unique body phenotype that carries other positive health impacts such as better diet quality, especially when they start eating nuts from youth to middle adulthood, as it increases the risk of chronic diseases such as diseases heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.” Professor of Epidemiology and Community Health at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health and principal investigator of this new study, Lyn M. Steffen, Ph.D., MPH, RDexplain through Eurek alert!
Steffan then notes that “the surprising and healthy changes in the overall dietary pattern of walnut consumers suggest that walnuts may act as a bridge or ‘carrier food’ to help people form healthy nutrition and lifestyle habits.” throughout life”.
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“Healthy habits learned early in life tend to stay with us as we age. If we’re used to snacking on a handful of nuts, we’re likely to continue this pattern into adulthood and reap the nutritional benefits.” . Selena Devries, DR, celiac dieticianHe says Eat this, not that!
Devries also explains that “walnuts contain omega-3s, which are anti-inflammatory fats associated with better heart health outcomes.” On top of that, they “also provide a healthy dose of fiber, about 2 grams per ounce, which will lead to more stable blood sugar levels, leaving you feeling full and satisfied for hours.”
If you want to start seeing the benefits of walnuts, then Devries says you can eat some every day by “combining them with dried cranberries and your favorite high-fiber cereal for an on-the-go snack.”
Desiree O
Desirée O is a freelance writer who covers lifestyle, food and nutrition news, among other topics. Read more about Desiree
