(NaturalPath) New research, from the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, has found that higher intakes of nuts can help to reduce inflammation.
Nuts are a good source of protein and healthy fats. They contain many essential nutrients and elements, such as: magnesium, fiber, L-arginine, antioxidants, and unsaturated fatty acids. Nuts are shown to be associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. The mechanism of why these benefits are seen, is not completely understood. Researchers conducted a study in order to determine if reduction of risk was due to inflammation modulation.
Researchers conducted a review of the Nurses’ Health Study, which included over 5,000 participants. Dietary questionnaires were used in order to determine nut intake. Biomarkers of inflammation were tested in blood samples in order to quantify changes. The biomarkers tested were C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL6), and tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TN-FR2).
Results showed that individuals who consumed five or more servings of nuts per week, demonstrated lower CRP and IL6 levels, when compared to participants with the least amount of nut consumption. Current findings are not able to determine what components of nuts leads to this reduction in inflammation.
This study emphasizes the importance of healthy dietary choices, and nut consumption, in order to reduce the risk of inflammation. Furthermore, this study highlights the benefits of nut consumption as a way to reduce the risk of many chronic cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
Razi Berry, Founder and Publisher of Naturopathic Doctor News & Review (ndnr.com) and NaturalPath (thenatpath.com), has spent the last decade as a natural medicine advocate and marketing whiz. She has galvanized and supported the naturopathic community, bringing a higher quality of healthcare to millions of North Americans through her publications. A self-proclaimed health-food junkie and mother of two; she loves all things nature, is obsessed with organic gardening, growing fruit trees (not easy in Phoenix), laughing until she snorts, and homeschooling. She is a little bit crunchy and yes, that is her real name.
Yu, V. S. Malik, N. Keum, F. B. Hu, E. L. Giovannucci, M. J. Stampfer, W. C. Willett, C. S. Fuchs, Y. Bao. Associations between nut consumption and inflammatory biomarkers. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2016; DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.116.134205