The study by the Monash University team involved nearly 10,000 older men and women who were followed for several years. The volunteers provided detailed information about their typical diet and consumption of specific foods, including nuts. The scientists compared how frequent and infrequent nut consumption affected cognitive abilities and the risk of neurodegeneration.
It turned out that daily consumption of nuts - a small handful of about 30g - provides a higher healthy life expectancy, as well as a 23% reduction in the risk of disability and neurodegeneration. The correlation was confirmed regardless of the types of nuts.
"Nuts are a great choice for snacking or as part of a meal if your diet is not balanced. However, we do not recommend eating salty, sweet or chocolate-covered nuts," the authors said.
Previously, other studies have found that walnuts lower 'bad' cholesterol levels, making them good for the heart, while another study found that a mixture of almonds, hazelnuts and walnuts improved sperm quality in men in just two weeks.
Let us remind you that nuts contain various vitamins (folate, B3, vitamin E), minerals (selenium, magnesium, calcium, potassium) and are rich in fiber, polyphenols, phytosterols, as well as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Nuts are also a good source of protein.