Scientists nuts reduce our risk of death

Nut consumption increases life expectancy
The consumption of nuts has a positive effect on life expectancy, according to a recent study at the University of Maastricht. In their study, the Dutch researchers led by Piet van den Brandt analyzed the relationship between nut consumption and overall mortality as well as disease-specific mortality. They found that both total mortality and cause-specific mortality from cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular, respiratory, neurodegenerative, and other diseases are due to regular consumption of nuts.

In earlier studies, nut consumption was already associated with reduced mortality, but only in terms of cardiovascular disease was comprehensive data available, the Dutch researchers report. In addition, the dose-response relationships are unclear. In their current study, they therefore analyzed the relationship between mortality and consumption of nuts, edible nuts and peanut butter on the basis of data from the Dutch cohort study with a total of 120,852 participants aged 55 to 69 years. They found that the likelihood of premature death with daily consumption of at least ten grams of nuts was significantly reduced. By contrast, peanut butter has no effect. The researchers published their results in the journal "International Journal of Epidemiology".

Peanuts and nuts reduce the likelihood of premature death. (Image: sommai / fotolia.com)

Overall mortality and cause-specific mortality were examined
In the cohort study, the participants gave details of their diet and lifestyle in 1986. Ten years later, the mortality was determined. 8,823 deaths occurred during the observation period. For 3,202 study participants, complete data were available on their nut consumption and possible confounding factors. In terms of nut consumption, the portion size and frequency of ingestion of peanuts, other nuts and peanut butter were assessed. The researchers from the University of Maastricht then analyzed the relationship with total mortality and cause-specific mortality since 1986. Analysis of the data showed that nut consumption causes both reduced overall mortality and decreased cause-specific mortality, write the Dutch researchers.

At least ten grams of nuts daily
"Men and women who eat at least 10 grams of nuts a day have a lower risk of dying from several major causes of death than people who do not eat nuts," according to the University of Maastricht. The reduction of mortality was most pronounced in respiratory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and diabetes. This was followed by cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Overall, the probability of premature death among subjects consuming at least ten grams of nuts per day during the ten-year observation period was 23 percent lower than those with no nuts. The current study confirms the results of previous studies in terms of cardiovascular mortality, but has also shown that "the mortality from cancer, diabetes, respiratory diseases and neurodegenerative diseases" is also reduced, "reports the University of Maastricht.

Healthy ingredients of nuts reduce mortality
Project leader and epidemiologist Professor Piet van den Brandt said it was noteworthy that "the significantly lower mortality was already observed at consumption levels of an average of 15 grams of nuts or peanuts per day (half a handful)." With further increase in nut consumption is no additional Reduction of mortality has been linked. A linear correlation of effects is therefore not given. According to the researchers, the healthy ingredients of the nuts, such as "monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, various vitamins, fiber, antioxidants and other bioactive compounds" are believed to be responsible for the positive effects on mortality. "(Fp)