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Nut Eaters Live Longer

Nuts used to be considered high-risk snacks. That’s because they are high in fat. Cardiologists worried that regular nut consumption might clog coronary arteries.

A large study published in The New England Journal of Medicine finally puts that fear to rest once and for all. Epidemiologists analyzed data from the Nurses Health Study and the Health Professionals’ Follow-Up Study. Over 100,000 participants in both groups completed food questionnaires every two to four years for decades.

In addition to other dietary information, participants were specifically asked about nut consumption. Those people who ate a handful of nuts daily had a 20% reduced mortality rate over three decades. They were also 11% less likely to die from cancer and 29% less likely to die from heart disease over the 30-year period.

[New England Journal of Medicine, Nov. 21, 2013]

Almonds and walnuts are among the favorite foods featured in our book, The People’s Pharmacy Quick & Handy Home Remedies, from National Geographic. If you’ve ever wondered how to follow a Mediterranean diet, a DASH diet or a low-carb diet, you’ll find the advice you need in our book Recipes and Remedies from The People’s Pharmacy.

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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