Nutty Way to Fight Disease

Reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes with nuts

Eating 1 1/2 ounces (a couple of handfuls) of tree nuts as a daily snack can reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes, say USDA researchers — but just 34% of people eat any nuts at all, reports a government survey. Here are four types worth trying for good health and great taste.

Nut: Almonds

Benefits in every bite: One ounce has as many heart-healthy polyphenols as a cup of green tea and 1/2 cup of steamed broccoli combined; shown to help lower LDL cholesterol

Nut: Hazelnuts

Benefits in every bite: Rich in arginine, an amino acid that can relax blood vessels and may lower blood pressure; also has high levels of vitamin E, folate, and B vitamins

Nut: Pecans

Benefits in every bite: Highest overall concentration of heart disease-fighting antioxidants among all nuts; 1 ounce contains 10% of your daily value for fiber

Nut: Pistachios

Benefits in every bite: A daily serving or two may decrease LDL levels by 9 to 12%, according to a recent Pennsylvania State University study

Issue Date: March 2009 Copyright 2009, Prevention