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Walnut’s anti-inflammatory action can reduce heart disease risk in elderly: Study

Walnuts can do a whole lot of things for your health, including reducing inflammation and risk of heart disease.
Eat foods that are good for your brain health. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Team Health Shots Published: 12 Nov 2020, 09:17 am IST
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Right from weight loss to good brain health—walnuts are revered from all these health benefits. But did you know this wonder nut also tonnes of benefits for your cardiovascular health?

In fact, a trial study from the US revealed that people in their 60s and 70s who regularly consume walnuts may have reduced inflammation, a factor associated with a lower risk of heart disease, compared to those who do not eat walnuts.

The research was part of the Walnuts and Healthy Aging (WAHA) study, and its findings have been published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Eating walnuts regularly can reduce inflammation, says this study 

In the study, conducted by Dr. Emilio Ros from the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, in partnership with Loma Linda University, more than 600 healthy older adults consumed 30 to 60 grams of walnuts per day as part of their typical diet or followed their standard diet (without walnuts) for two years.

Those who consumed walnuts had a significant reduction in inflammation, measured by the concentration of known inflammatory markers in the blood, which were reduced by up to 11.5%.

Of the 10 well-known inflammatory markers that were measured in the study, six were significantly reduced on the walnut diet, including interleukin-1b, a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine which pharmacologic inactivation has been strongly associated with reduced rates of coronary heart disease.

The study’s conclusion is that the anti-inflammatory effects of walnuts provide a mechanistic explanation for cardiovascular disease reduction beyond cholesterol lowering.

“Acute inflammation is a physiological process due to activation of the immune system by injuries such as trauma or infection, and is an important defence of the body”, said Dr. Emilio Ros, a lead researcher in the study.

The role of inflammation in heart disease

“Short-term inflammation helps us heal wounds and fight infections, but inflammation that persists over time (chronic), caused by factors such as poor diet, obesity, stress and high blood pressure, is damaging instead of healing, particularly when it comes to cardiovascular health,” said Ros.

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“The findings of this study suggest walnuts are one food that may lessen chronic inflammation, which could help to reduce the risk for heart disease – a condition we become more susceptible to as we age,” he added.

Chronic inflammation is a critical factor in the development and progression of atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque or “hardening” of the arteries, the principal cause of heart attacks and stroke. Therefore, the severity of atherosclerosis depends greatly on chronic inflammation, and dietary and lifestyle changes are key to mitigating this process.

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While existing scientific evidence establishes walnuts as a heart-healthy food, researchers continue to investigate the “how” and “why” behind walnuts’ cardiovascular benefits.

According to Dr. Ros: “Walnuts have an optimal mix of essential nutrients like the omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA (2.5g/oz), and other highly bioactive components like polyphenols2, that likely play a role in their anti-inflammatory effect and other health benefits.

While these results are promising, the research does have limitations. Study participants were older adults who were healthy and free living with the option to eat a variety of other foods in addition to walnuts. Additionally, further investigation is needed in more diverse and disadvantaged populations.

(With inputs from ANI)

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