Walnuts, Nitric Oxide, and the Heart
October 10, 2006 by Lei
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
Good news for my mother-in-law who loves nuts of all kinds. Recent research (funded by the California Walnut Commission) suggests that walnuts may help reduce inflammation and oxidation in heart arteries to a greater extent than olive oil.
In this small study of 24 adults, half of whom had normal cholesterol and half with moderately high cholesterol, a meal of high-fat salami and cheese (yum!) was supplemented with olive oil or walnuts. Both olive oil and walnuts helped to reduce the negative effects of the high fat meal. Walnuts, however, appear to be more effective because they contain:
- Arginine, an amino acid used by the body to produce nitric oxide, a molecule that helps protect the heart.
- Antioxidants
- Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid with health giving properties.
But I also think there’s one other reason nuts are good for you. A handful of walnuts, another handful of pecans and you’d be too full for that big plate of french fries.
BBC News, October 10, 2006
