Snacking on this superfood could add years to your life, according to study

Walnuts are an extremely popular food. While most of us are used to eating it in desserts and cakes, snacking on walnut by itself is now being touted as a super healthy habit to inculcate for several reasons.

As reported by Newsweek, a study published in the journal, Nutrition, Metabolism, & Cardiovascular Diseases, researchers found that people who consumed walnuts regularly are fitter even as they got older. Their bodies had fewer triglycerides (which are a kind of harmful fat) and lower blood pressure.

The long-term benefits of eating walnuts

The latest findings are based on comprehensive research conducted with 3000 individuals in the US who were tracked for three decades, well into their fifties.

Newsweek quoted lead author Professor Lyn Steffen of the University of Minnesota, as saying,

Walnut eaters seem to have a unique body phenotype that carries with it other positive impacts on health like better diet quality.

This is especially so when they start eating walnuts from young into middle adulthood—as the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes elevates.

What makes walnuts a superfood?

As per the report, even an ounce of walnut a day (which is about 7 walnuts) can provide 4 grams of protein and 2 grams of fibre, along with being a great source of magnesium, which strengthens muscles and provides energy.

According to Healthline, walnuts are also rich in antioxidants, great source of Omega-3, effective at decreasing inflammation, promotes healthy gut and can even reduce the possibility of some kinds of cancers.

Studies have also shown that it is great for weight loss. It can lower blood pressure and aid in healthy ageing.

Sources used:

- Newsweek: 'Snacking on Walnuts May Help Add Years to Your Life: Study'

- Healthline:'13 Proven Health Benefits of Walnuts'

- Nutrition, Metabolism, & Cardiovascular Diseases: 'Association of nut consumption with CVD risk factors in young to middle-aged adults: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study'

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