New research has linked eating nuts daily in old age to a significant increase in healthy lifespan.
Superfoods
True superfoods, nuts are rich in proteins, antioxidants, magnesium and unsaturated fatty acids. Over the decades, their consumption has been linked to improved cardiovascular health, male fertility, reduced inflammation, as well as a lower risk of cancer, diabetes or obesity.
As part of work published in the journal Age and Ageinga team from Monash University looked at data from the ASPREE longitudinal study. If its main objective was to explore the effects of taking aspirin on the longevity of elderly people, this veritable mine of information allowed the identification of other significant beneficial associations.
A review of the records of nearly 10,000 Australians aged over 70, who responded to a questionnaire exploring their eating habits, revealed a strong link between frequent consumption of nut and the lengthening of the “ disease-free survival ».
Overall, participants who reported consuming a handful once or twice a day had a 23% lower risk of dementia or persistent disability than those who consumed more occasionally.
About thirty grams of nuts per day
According to Holly Wild, lead author of the new study, the fact that the composition of such “snacks” is not specified suggests that any assortment of these dried fruits would promote aging healthy. The ideal daily consumption would be around thirty grams, the equivalent of 25 almonds, 10 walnuts or around forty peanuts.
« Nuts are tastier and higher in nutrients when fresh », underlines the researcher. “ They should therefore be stored away from light in an airtight container.. »
A study published in October revealed that maintaining this ability was essential for aging well.
Health
