A look at the 'nuts can lower cholesterol' claim

Much is being made of a study published Monday in the Archives of Internal Medicine establishing the positive effects nuts can have on blood cholesterol. The researchers, from Loma Linda University, concluded:

"Increasing the consumption of nuts as part of an otherwise prudent diet can be expected to favorably affect blood lipid levels (at least in the short term) and have the potential to lower CHD [coronary heart disease] risk."

This particular study pointed out that people with so-called bad cholesterol and those with a lower body-mass index are among those more likely to benefit by adding some nutty crunch to their diet.  The analysis also found a "dose" response, i.e. "eat more nuts." Here's the nut study abstract.

But the research shouldn't merit gape-mouthed astonishment; the findings are drawn from 25 earlier nut-consumption studies, and most people have probably read a headline or two over the years touting a particular type of nuts. Further, the Food and Drug Administration in 2003 began allowing companies to vaguely brag about the health benefits of some nuts and peanuts (yes, yes, a legume). Here's a Los Angeles Times story on those qualified health claims.

Nor should the research elicit a snort of dismissal, partially sponsored though it was by the International Tree Nut Council.
 
The analysis included well-designed studies (not simply those that amount to: "Hey, X and Y seem to be occurring at the same time, therefore there must be a connection!"). Further, there's nutritional science to back up the findings. And that's the interesting part -- just how those high-calorie, joy-bringing delights actually do good.

Here's what the Mayo Clinic has to say about nuts and heart health. The role of unsaturated fats, omega-3s, l-arginine, fiber, vitamin E and sterols are all explained.

And WebMD weighs in with this analysis of nuts' nutritional benefits and how to include them as part of a healthful diet. (Be forewarned: The report takes a dim view of honey-roasted and chocolate-covered versions. Pity.) 

-- Tami Dennis

Photo: For best results, skip the chocolate coating.

Credit: Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[NishaArnina]

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[Ed Terry]

The polyunsaturated fats in nuts will lower cholesterol. So what?

A study with mortality data from 164 countries found the overall mortality rate at cholesterol levels between 200 and 220. At a cholesterol level of 150, the overall mortality rate was four times higher. At levels lower than that, the death rate skyrockets. So much for the benefits of lowering cholesterol.

By the way, polyunsaturated fats also lower HDL cholesterol.

[Philip]

While there is previous evidence regarding the health benefits of eating nuts, one should be careful when looking at a surrogate endpoint (ie cholesterol level) in place of actually looking at the effect on the disease, in this case heart disease, itself. There is a quite interesting series of posts at the Health Journal Club by an MIT scientist who looking at the issue as an outsider comes to the conclusion that we need to be more worried about LOW cholesterol than high. If interested you can read on it here.
http://healthjournalclub.blogspot.com/2010/04/statins-pregnancy-sepsis-cancer-heart.html

[lower cholesterol]

Nuts have always been considered good in some Mediterranean regions, where heart problems are less than in modern western nations.

Adding a daily dose of a jigger of red wine adds it own nutritional value, plus merriment on the side. Saluti!