Is this everyday nut the secret to lower cholesterol and a healthier heart? Experts reveal surprising results!
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What if the key to better heart health has been sitting in your pantry this whole time?
A recent study has uncovered a surprising connection between one common snack and significantly improved cholesterol numbers.
The results have experts taking a second look—and it’s not the nut you’re probably thinking of. Here’s what researchers found, and why it might change the way you snack.
A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition observed 138 adults with at least one risk factor for poor metabolic health, but who did not have type 2 diabetes or any cardiovascular disease.
None of the participants had been diagnosed with heart disease or diabetes.
They were split into two groups: one kept eating their usual snacks, while the other replaced their daily snacks with two ounces of raw, unsalted pecans.
Over several weeks, researchers observed changes in weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and other health markers.
Also read: Is spinach the superfood you’re missing? 6 ways it can boost your health today
Those in the pecan group saw notable reductions in total cholesterol, LDL ("bad") cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.
Their diet quality also improved by 9.4 points on the Healthy Eating Index, which measures how closely a diet follows national recommendations.
The slight weight gain observed—around 1.5 pounds—was not considered significant by researchers.
So what makes pecans so effective? They contain heart-healthy fats and dietary fiber, which help reduce bad cholesterol.
Pecans are also a natural source of dietary fiber, which plays a role in limiting fat absorption into the bloodstream.
Of course, no single food is a magic bullet. Regular exercise—at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week—combined with a balanced diet is still key to lowering cholesterol over time.
Read next: Is mushroom coffee the secret to better health? Here’s what you need to know
Have you noticed a difference in your health by adding certain foods to your routine? Do you include nuts like pecans in your diet? Share your thoughts, stories, or questions in the comments below.
A recent study has uncovered a surprising connection between one common snack and significantly improved cholesterol numbers.
The results have experts taking a second look—and it’s not the nut you’re probably thinking of. Here’s what researchers found, and why it might change the way you snack.
A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition observed 138 adults with at least one risk factor for poor metabolic health, but who did not have type 2 diabetes or any cardiovascular disease.
None of the participants had been diagnosed with heart disease or diabetes.
What if the key to better heart health has been sitting in your pantry this whole time? Image source: Delfina Cocciardi / Unsplash
They were split into two groups: one kept eating their usual snacks, while the other replaced their daily snacks with two ounces of raw, unsalted pecans.
Over several weeks, researchers observed changes in weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and other health markers.
Also read: Is spinach the superfood you’re missing? 6 ways it can boost your health today
Those in the pecan group saw notable reductions in total cholesterol, LDL ("bad") cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.
Their diet quality also improved by 9.4 points on the Healthy Eating Index, which measures how closely a diet follows national recommendations.
The slight weight gain observed—around 1.5 pounds—was not considered significant by researchers.
So what makes pecans so effective? They contain heart-healthy fats and dietary fiber, which help reduce bad cholesterol.
Pecans are also a natural source of dietary fiber, which plays a role in limiting fat absorption into the bloodstream.
Of course, no single food is a magic bullet. Regular exercise—at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week—combined with a balanced diet is still key to lowering cholesterol over time.
Read next: Is mushroom coffee the secret to better health? Here’s what you need to know
