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Add Walnuts to List of Foods that Fight Cholesterol
Unsaturated fatty acids, especially those found in many oils
and
nuts, are regarded as keys to preventing cardiovascular disease
and
promoting healthy cholesterol levels. Walnuts are of special
interest because they are primarily polyunsaturated (72%) and
monounsaturated (18%) fatty acids.
A recent study of 793 inhabitants of a French farming community
examined the potential effect of walnut consumption on blood
cholesterol levels. Results showed that people who ate walnuts
more
than twice a week and used walnut oil every day (at least six
months out of the year) had higher levels of the "good"
cholesterol
than nonconsumers. People who consumed at least some walnuts/walnut
oil also showed increased levels of the "good" cholesterol
compared
with nonconsumers.
So what is "good" cholesterol? Technically, it's
known as HDL
(high©density lipoprotein) cholesterol -- but don't let
the fancy
name confuse you. Research shows that it really is just plain
"good" because it actually carries cholesterol out
of the
bloodstream (As opposed to LDL -- low-density lipoprotein --
cholesterol, which is considered the "bad" cholesterol).
So add walnuts to your list of foods that help keep your "good"
cholesterol levels high. And ask your doctor for more information
on cholesterol and the many food sources high in unsaturated
fatty
acids.
Lavedrine F, Zmirou D, Ravel A, et al. Blood cholesterol and
walnut
consumption: a cross-sectional survey in France. Preventive
Medicine, 1999: Vol. 28, pp333-339.
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