Nut consumption reduces the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Millions of people world-wide die from CHD each year. Epidemiological studies have shown that adding moderately walnuts or almonds to ones diet will decrease serum concentration of cholesterol in both women and men. Also, nuts have other protective constituents, such as protein, magnesium, vitamin E, fibre, potassium and alpha linolenic acid.
Combinations of Nuts
Nuts are a good source of food, but too many combinations of nuts when preparing a meal is not good practice; instead use simple combinations of nuts in your diet. Nuts are an excellent source of vitamin E. Walnuts can help reduce the risk of CHD and does not cause a person to put on weight. However, there are drawbacks with some nuts, for example, peanuts are prone to contamination by moulds that produce carcinogens, and the areca nuts have several deleterious effects on oral and general health. Also, almonds that are not matured contain cyanide-producing compounds that can kill a person. Small quantities of walnuts help decrease cholesterol in the body, leading to a reduction of CHD. The fatty acids composition of nuts is high in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, which explains their protective against CHD.
Areca Nuts
Over 200 million people world-wide chew areca nuts. This practice of chewing areca nuts is commonly found in central, southern, and south-east Asia. The habit of chewing areca nuts is now emerging in Western countries. Consumption of areca nuts has been linked to the development of oral submucous fibrosis (a potentially malignant disorder of the oral cavity), and a high rate of oral cancer. The consumption of areca nuts has also been linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and asthma. Areca nuts has a high level of copper (302 nmol/g) compared to other nuts (22-173 nmol/g).
Frequent nut consumption is a protection against coronary artery disease (CAD). It has beneficial effect attributing to the improvement of the serum lipid profile. The lowering of cholesterol as a result of nut consumption is greater than one realises. Nut consumption replaces saturated fat because of the monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) that nuts contain. Also, nuts are rich in many nutrients that may reduce the risk of CVD (cardiovascular disease) by mechanisms that are independent of lowering cholesterol. For a person to benefit from eating walnuts, they need to eat a large amount of the product in order to have a decrease in CHD or CAD. Eating nuts are safe but take care not to eat the harmful ones. However, it is believed that Seventh Day Adventists have a low rate of CHD as a result of eating nuts; and vegans and vegetarians use nuts to substitute meats.
Millions Die Every Year
Most of the millions who die world-wide from CHD are from the developing world. Although, CHD is the main cause of premature death in the United Kingdom, yet, there are regional and socio-economic differences in its incidence and prevalence. Nevertheless, across all social groups too little exercise is done and it is believed that physical activity will provide protection against CHD and strokes. Physical activity will help a person to control their weight, blood pressure and diabetes. Adults, you need to exercise at least 30 minutes a day, five days per week. But one has to say that most people are not heeding this recommendation.
Copyright (c) 2006 Words of Life and Health
This article in Thursday’s WSJ, reports on a study from the Columbia University Medical Center in New York which was published in the Annals of Neurology. The study indicates that a Mediterranean-style diet that appears to cut the risk of heart disease also helps protect against Alzheimer's disease. According to the article, people who followed the diet were up to 40% less likely than those who largely avoided it to develop Alzheimer's during the course of the research, scientists reported. A Mediterranean style diet consists of lots of vegetables, legumes, fruits, cereals and fish, while limiting intake of meat and dairy products, drinking moderate amounts of alcohol and emphasizing monounsaturated fats, such as in olive oil, over saturated fats The article suggested that the idea that a heart-healthy diet could also help fight Alzheimer's fits in with growing evidence that the things we associate with being bad for our heart may also be bad for our brain. This list would include: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking and uncontrolled diabetes, according to an Alzheimer’s specialist. While this article discusses diet only and not exercises, the news is consistent with other studies that I have seen both as to diet and exercise. In other words, the exercise programs and diets that tend to reduce cardiovascular disease also are believed to reduce the risk of dementia.
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Veronique Belmar has sinced written about articles on various topics from Health, Pearls and Religion. Veronique Belmar write books on Health, Biblical Prophecies, Children's Books, Poetry, and many more. At the age of ten she was interested in eating healthily and taking part in different sporting activities, and at fifteen her favourite books were based. Veronique Belmar's top article generates over 14800 views. to your Favourites.
John Parker has sinced written about articles on various topics from Acid Reflux, Fitness and self improvement and motivation. For more information on Mediterranean diets Visit . John Parker's top article generates over 201000 views. to your Favourites.