Not long ago it was thought wise by dieticians and medical doctors to avoid most nuts and seeds due to the high fat content. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (Dash) diet has changed that thinking. It has been common knowledge amongst Naturopathic Practitioners that nuts and seeds actually lower blood pressure and lipids for years. In fact that statement was in one of my textbooks from Clayton College that was published back in the mid 90's. Now even the Allopathic (mainstream) Medical Community is getting in on the act.

The DASH diet recommends regular consumption of nuts, seeds, and legumes. Controlled human studies have indicated that the use of nuts, seeds, legumes and the nut oils are a good source of fat in the diet. Studies also indicated that when compared to high carbohydrate diets, the higher fat diet lowered both total and LDL (Bad) Cholesterol.

Almonds contribute monounsaturated fat where as soy and walnuts provide polyunsaturated fats. Diets high in these nuts tend to lower both LDL and total cholesterol. The Macadamia nut is known for high fat content. When the Macadamia nut was tested the total levels fell, the HDL (good) cholesterol rose and the LDL levels decreased. Now we know why there is a diet plan, I believe it is called the Hampton Diet that relies heavily on Macadamia Nut Oil. In fact one fitness professional called this diet "the Atkins Diet soaked in macadamia nut oil"

Hazelnuts were also checked in a study of 70 children and 104 adults, HDL levels were raised and LDL levels lowered.

Something else that I find quite unique in the study was that weight gain did not occur even though researchers were supplementing with several hundred additional calories. This is something that no one would have considered eating extra fat calories from nuts and nut oils may actually help maintain your weight. Notice that I did NOT say it would force you to lose weight so don't go pig out on nuts thinking you will lose weight,

Studies also reveal a decrease in coronary heart risk in those who consume nuts frequently. The Iowa Women's Study of 34,000 women found that higher nut consumption resulted in a 40% reduction in cardiovascular disease risk.

A Study of 22000 male physicians found a significant decrease in sudden death as well as cardiac death as nut consumption increased.

The mechanism is still unclear, but the fact that nuts work for lowering cardiac risk cannot be denied. It is unclear also if there is either a maximum or a minimum dose for nuts in the diet, There is no data yet to show you may be able to get too much of this good thing, There is also no data showing that massive doses may be any more helpful than more consistent average doses.

Scientists at this point believe that nuts may work so well because they contain high concentrations of the antioxidants vitamin E and arginine. Consistent findings at this point would indicate that supplementing the diet with nuts, seeds, and there oils can offer considerable protection against heart disease. That does not mean you can eat a couple handfuls of nuts and stop taking your medication for high blood pressure or hyperlipidemia. By all means consult your physician before making any changes to your medication.

REFERENCES:

Fraser GE: Nut Consumption, Lipids, Risk of Coronary Event. Clini Cardiol 1999: 22 (suppl III): III11-III15

Disclaimer:

This report should in no way be considered medical advice. The suggestions and/or techniques described in this report are for informational purposes only. If you are ill or injured you should see your primary healthcare professional immediately.