Eat nuts for heart health

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

There are many ways in which different kinds of nuts can benefit the heart, say doctors at Harvard Medical School.
Research shows that nuts contain oils which can improve the health of the heart and circulation. For instance, they lower cholesterol and contain omega-3 fats that can protect against abnormal heart rhythms. Nuts also contain an amino acid called arginine which may improve blood vessel function and vitamin E, an antioxidant.

Of course, nuts are high in calories, so rather than adding them to your diet, try substituting them for something else. Have nuts instead of potato chips, for example, or cookies. About two ounces of nuts appears to be enough to lower heart disease risk. Good choices are - almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, filiberts, peanuts, pistachios and walnuts.

Source
Harvard Men's Health Watch May 2005

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