Study links eating just half a serving a day of nuts, such as walnuts, to a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD)

Cardiovascular disorders are amongst the leading causes of mortality, also accounting for 203 million disability-adjusted life years and 31% of all deaths worldwide. Three decades of study has shown walnuts can support cardiovascular health. In line with the results from these studies, a recent research project supported by CWC examined the association between 4-year changes in nut consumption and risk of confirmed cardiovascular disease end points in the subsequent 4 years. The findings of the study then indicated increasing total nut intake (i.e., walnuts, other tree nuts, and peanuts) by half a serving per day (about 14g) was associated with an 8% lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), 6% lower risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), and 11% lower risk of stroke. When looking at the impact of individual nuts or categories, walnuts were associated with the greatest reduction in stroke risk, showing a 20% lower risk with each increase in half a serving per day, compared to other tree nuts (9%), peanuts (8%), and all nuts (11%)¹.

The study included the participation of 34,103 men who had also taken part in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study which was conducted between 1986-2012 and a total of 158,552 women who had formerly taken part in either the Nurses’ Health Study (1986-2012) or the Nurses’ Health Study II (1991-2013). The study assessed nut consumption every 4 years using validated food frequency questionnaires

Today, CVDs are responsible for 34% of all deaths in the Middle East population². The number of CVD-related deaths in the MENA region alone is expected to increase from 17.7 million in 2015 to 23.6 million in 2030.

Majority of the research suggests that many of the risk factors associated with heart disease can be controlled with dietary and lifestyle changes. Research has explored how foods with omega-3 ALA, such as walnuts (2.5g/oz), may provide a beneficial role in reducing the risk of these conditions. ⁴ Walnuts are the only nut with an excellent source of the plant-based omega-3 ALA (2.5g/oz) and are a versatile, easy, heart-healthy snack to grab on the go or to incorporate into a heart-healthy meal.