Healthy everyday snack found to 'lower cholesterol and improve heart health'
Share this @internewscast.com

Replacing snack foods with pecans can improve cholesterol levels and overall diet quality, researchers have found. Eating pecans was found to diminish key risk factors for heart disease, according to a study from the Penn State Department of Nutritional Sciences published in March. 

Participants who opted for pecans instead of their regular snacks demonstrated a decrease in cholesterol measurements associated with poorer heart health compared to those who didn’t snack on pecans. Researchers suggested that people should cobnsider incorporating more polyphenol-rich foods into their diets, such as pecans, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, to bolster heart health and improve overall diet.

The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the health benefits of eating nuts, reports Surrey Live.

The 138 participants in the study, aged between 25 and 70, either lived with or were at risk of developing metabolic syndrome – a cluster of conditions that heighten an individual’s risk for several chronic diseases.

They met one or more criteria for metabolic syndrome, including abdominal obesity, high triglycerides, low HDL, high blood pressure, and high fasting blood glucose.

The researchers divided the participants evenly into two groups. One group was designated the pecan snacking group, who were instructed to eat 57 grams of pecans daily in lieu of their usual snacks, and the other group were asked to continue with their regular diet.

The quality of diet, gauged by adherence to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, was 17% higher at the study’s conclusion for participants who consumed pecans compared to those who didn’t.

Pecans are rich in polyphenols, an anti-inflammatory compound. The researchers cited previous studies suggesting that polyphenols bolster a crucial element of healthy blood vessels known as endothelial function.

However, the study did not identify any differences in vascular health – the body’s network of blood vessels – between the two groups.

“Replacing typical snacks with pecans improved key risk factors for heart disease including blood cholesterol levels and diet quality,” stated Kristina Petersen, associate professor of nutritional sciences at Penn State and co-author of the study.

“These results add to the large evidence-base supporting the cardiovascular benefits of nuts and add additional insights into how adults can incorporate nuts into their diet to improve the overall quality of their diet.”

Prof Petersen added: “The improved diet quality among pecan snackers – including a higher percentage of calories from polyunsaturated fats and increased fiber and polyphenols – likely also contributed to the observed cholesterol improvements, particularly the LDL-lowering effects.”

This study received funding from the American Pecan Council.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Medical Experts Alert: Worrisome Trend Endangers Millions in the U.S. with Aggressive Cancer Risks

A fringe theory is catching fire online, and health experts are sounding…

Avoid Storing Toothbrushes on the Sink: An Activity That Allows Bacteria to Linger

Many people believe their bathroom is clean as long as it looks…

Cautionary Alert: Popular Supplement Linked to Potential Organ Damage and Nerve Issues

Britons taking a host of over-the-counter supplements are risking organ damage  and…

Daily Bite of Food Consumed by 75 Million Americans Linked to Cancer

Experts are sounding the alarm over a common food that – in…

Authorities Extend Beach Closures for July 4th Over Dangerous Bacteria Concerns

Clear skies and warm waters may tempt many to head to the…

Mom Shares Overlooked Symptom That Led to Shocking Bowel Cancer Diagnosis

A mum has revealed the unexplained symptom she experienced for months before…

“I Faced Death Seven Times and Didn’t See a Bright Light or Tunnel”

Shona Hirons experienced nothing when she nearly died (Image: Jam Press) A…

For Optimal Health Benefits, Drink Coffee at This Specific Time

Whether it’s the flavour, the ritual, or the energising boost, coffee is…

Affordable yet contentious supplement outperforms dementia, taken by millions

Apart from helping you improve muscle growth, your protein powder may also…

Experts Suggest Many Diagnosed with ADHD Could Actually Have a Different Common Disorder

A major new analysis has fueled concerns over the accuracy of tests…

Optometrists Recommend Popular Diet Change to Enhance Vision

Eye doctors have urged people to start consuming specific foods if they…