Researchers at The Pennsylvania State University have conducted a comprehensive review of the available epidemiological and clinical evidence and concluded that frequently eating small amounts of tree nuts or peanuts can have a strong protective effect against coronary heart disease. The review concludes that it is appropriate to recommend inclusion of nuts in a healthy diet that meets energy needs to reduce risk of coronary heart disease.

The review shows that consuming 1 oz. of nuts more than five times per week can result in a 25–39% reduction in coronary heart disease risk among people whose characteristics match those of the general adult U.S. population. Nuts consumed in the epidemiological studies included almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pistachios, and walnuts, as well as peanuts. The effects of specific nuts on coronary heart disease risk were not evaluated. The 11 clinical studies reviews focused on the blood cholesterol-lowering effects of nuts. Nuts consumed in the clinical investigations included walnuts, almonds, macadamia nuts, pecans, pistachios, and peanuts.

Nuts are a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids ("good" fats) and are low in saturated fatty acids ("bad" fats). Nuts are also a source of plant protein dietary fiber, antioxidant vitamins, minerals, and numerous bioactive substances that may have health benefits.

News contacts: Barbara Hale Vicki Fong, phone 814/865-9481, e-mail: bah@psu.edu and vfong@psu.edu

Scientific contact: Dr. Penny Kris-Etherton, phone 814/863-2923, e-mail pmk3@psu.edu