Walnuts a Smart Choice for Heart
 (HealthDayNews, 3/26/04)

In a 4-week study funded by the California Walnut Commission, Dr. Emilio Ros of the Lipid Clinic at Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, and team, had 21 adults with high cholesterol levels consume a Mediterranean-like diet, in which walnuts replaced a third of the monounsaturated fats, which are usually derived from foods like olive oil. The scientists found that the subjects eating the walnuts experienced a 64% increase in artery elasticity, a reduction in LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and a 20% decrease in molecules known to “gum up blood vessels.” Although the study was small, the researchers speculate that walnuts may have a plaque-reducing effect because they contain Omega-3 fatty acids, the amino acid L-arginine and vitamin E.