The Latest Superfood: Eating Nuts May Save Your Life

In a study released yesterday in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine, researchers from the Harvard School of Medicine concluded that eating as few as one ounce of nuts each day can reduce the likelihood of dying from heart disease by as much as 25%, cancer by 10% and 20% from diabetes and lung disease.

The study showed that all types of nuts were able to bring about these effects: walnuts, almonds, cashews and even peanuts. The researchers also concluded that the desired effects could be achieved regardless of whether the study participants exercised or were overweight.

The Harvard study actually confirmed a 10 year old study by the US Food and Drug Administration.

According to the researchers, the beneficial effects of eating nuts is derived from the substantial amounts of folate, potassium, fiber, good monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.

Given these results, it would seem that nuts are the latest superfood.

Sources: USA Today,New England Journal of Medicine

Coffree: A Life Saver

Several weeks ago, I wrote about the beneficial effects of coffee "Coffee: Just What the Doctor Ordered", April 28, 2012.. Recently, The New England Journal of Medicine, May 17, 2012,  published an article about a study that showed that coffee drinkers (particularly those who consumed three or more cups a day) had a 10% less chance of dying from heart problems, stroke, diabetes and other causes The study was  conducted by researchers from the National Cancer Institute and the AARP. The researchers followed some 400,000 men and women over a 12 year period. .The study involved those who drank coffee with and without caffeine, so it does not appear that caffeine is the operative ingredient that may be beneficial.

So, have another cup of java and drink up!