Peanuts have a place in a heart healthy diet.
For years, Americans were told to avoid nuts because they are high in fat, which was assumed to be bad for the cardiovascular system. Then researchers found that people who ate more nuts, including walnuts, pistachios and almonds were less likely to develop heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes. The more nuts they consumed, the lower their chances of premature death.
Peanuts Get No Respect
Peanuts have not received the respect of tree nuts. That’s partly because they are legumes instead of true nuts. It may also be in part because they are less expensive than walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts or almonds.
A new study, however, shows that both nut and peanut intake are linked to lower mortality. The study included more than 70,000 mostly lower-income people in southeastern states and more than 130,000 residents of Shanghai, China.
The researchers collected dietary information and followed the study participants for at least five years (a bit longer in China). The US participants were eating both nuts and peanuts (about 50% peanuts in the mix). In China, the participants were eating only peanuts, although they ate quite a bit less than Americans on average.
Those who consumed the most peanuts were least likely to die from strokes or heart disease in both China and the U.S. Perhaps now people may realize that peanuts can be as helpful as pricier tree nuts in constructing a healthful diet.
