Consuming Nuts Linked With Reduced Inflammation in Older Adults

Docwire News reports that older adults who regularly eat nuts have seen reduced inflammation than those who do not, according to a new study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology . The researchers considered changes in circulating inflammatory molecules in 634 participants in the Walnuts and Health Aging trial, who were split into 324 people with walnuts in their diet and 310 controls. Walnut consumption was associated with significant reductions in the concentration of six of 10 inflammatory biomarkers versus the control diet. "Walnuts have an optimal mix of essential nutrients like the omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA (2.5g/oz), and other highly bioactive components like polyphenols2, that likely play a role in their anti-inflammatory effect and other health benefits," said Emilio Ros with the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona. He added that the study's findings "suggest walnuts are one food that may lessen chronic inflammation, which could help to reduce the risk for heart disease — a condition we become more susceptible to as we age."