> Today's Topic: Nuts to High Cholesterol
>
> Yet another study of feeding nuts has shown a
> reduction in serum
> cholesterol levels.  This time, walnuts, which are
> rich in
> polyunsaturated fats, replaced about 35% of the
> calories obtained
> from monounsaturated fat in a Mediterranean diet.
> About 50
> middle-aged people in Spain with elevated
> cholesterol levels
> completed the trial.  Reductions in total and LDL
> cholesterol
> averaged about 4 to 6 percent.
>
> It is not clear what the active ingredient in the
> nuts is that lowers
> cholesterol.  While speculation has focused on the
> fat content, it
> could be vegetable protein, soluble fiber, or trace
> minerals.  The
> bottom line is that nuts can be a healthy addition
> to almost any
> diet.  This study appeared in the April 4, 2000
> issue of the
> Annals of Internal Medicine
> (
>
http://www.acponline.org/journals/annals/04apr00/zambon.htm
> ).
>
> HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Previous studies
> with almonds and peanuts (which are not nuts but
> legumes) showed
> reductions in risk factors for heart disease.  It is
> important to
> remember that nuts are high in fat and calories.
> Simply adding them
> to the diet means a certain weight gain – they have
> to replace
> something else.


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