Walnuts help reduce risk of heart attacks

Walnuts are set to become the next great health food after a study showing they can boost the body's ability to withstand the effects of a fatty diet.

Raw walnuts can increase the flexibility of arteries, making heart attacks and coronary disease less likely.

Walnuts contain natural chemicals that help to prevent hardening of the arteries, making them less prone to becoming blocked, says Emilio Ros, of the Hospital Clinico in Barcelona.

"Each time we eat a high-fat meal, the fat molecules trigger an inflammatory reaction that, among other ill-effects, reduces the elasticity of the arteries. Over time, this repeated damage is thought to contribute to hardening of the arteries and, in turn, to heart disease. Our research shows that eating walnuts helps to maintain the elasticity of the arteries."

The research, paid for by the California Walnut Commission and published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, involved 24 adults. Volunteers were split into two groups who for two weeks followed a Mediterranean diet rich in fruit and vegetables and low in dairy products, which was designed to lower cholesterol levels.

Each group was given a high-fat meal of a salami-and-cheese sandwich followed by a full-fat yoghurt. One was also given five teaspoons of olive oil and the other about eight shelled walnuts. The walnuts and the olive oil helped to decrease the sudden onset of inflammation and oxidation in the arteries - processes contributing to hardening of arteries.

However, the walnuts also helped to preserve the elasticity and flexibility of the arteries, regardless of cholesterol levels, which enabled the blood vessels to expand when needed to increase the flow of blood.

Dr Ros says walnuts are rich in the amino acid arginine, which is important in the production of the body's natural sources of nitric oxide, needed to keep arteries flexible. Walnuts also contain antioxidants and alpha-linolenic acid, a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid, which some scientists say can help to prevent heart disease.

- INDEPENDENT