Eating peanut butter wards off heart disease
POSTED June 27, 2009 - 13:51 | POSTED BY Neharika Sabharwal
Last edited by Priya Markanda on June 27, 2009 - 14:20
A cohort study examined the association between nut intake and heart diseases prevalent in women with Type 2 diabetes, which increases the risk of cardiac problems and stroke.
Link between nut intake and heart disease examined
Researchers at Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, analyzed the diets of more than 6,000 women over a period of 12 years. They were asked to complete a food questionnaire every two to four years between 1980-2002.
A number of factors, besides nut consumption, were taken into consideration. These included body mass index, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, use of aspirin, Hormone Replacement Therapy and other nutrients and food groups that have an effect on heart risk.
During the course of the study, there were 452 coronary events reported such as heart attacks and 182 cases of stroke.
Interpretations drawn from the study
The researchers concluded that frequent nut and peanut butter consumption was associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease in women with Type 2 diabetes. They were at a 44 percent lower risk of developing cardiovascular problems and strokes during the follow-up period.
The authors stated, “Consumption of at least five servings a week of one ounce of nuts or one tablespoon of peanut butter was significantly associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.”
A note of caution
The researchers cautioned that though nuts are high in monounsaturated ‘good’ fats, they also contain high overall fat and calories and should not be eaten in excessive amounts daily.
Ellen Mason, cardiac nurse for the British Heart Foundation, said, "It is beneficial to include nuts in our diets as they are low in the saturated fats that raise our cholesterol.”
However, she added, "Eating more of one food in isolation will not make much difference to your health if you are inactive and don't have a balanced diet.
"Unfortunately, preventing heart disease is more complicated than just eating peanuts."
The research was recently published in The Journal of Nutrition.
