Nut Consumption Associated with Reduced Signs of Inflammation

A new study that involved over 5,000 participants has revealed an association between greater nut intake and reduced levels of inflammation. Investigators found that those who consumed five or more servings of nuts per week had lower levels of biomarkers related to inflammation than those who seldom or never ate nuts. In addition, individuals who substituted three servings of red meat, processed meat, eggs, or refined grains per week with nuts had significantly lower levels of inflammatory biomarkers. Study author Dr. Ying Bao writes, “Population studies have consistently supported a protective role of nuts against cardiometabolic disorders such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, and we know that inflammation is a key process in the development of these diseases… Our new work suggests that nuts may exert their beneficial effects in part by reducing systemic inflammation.” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, July 2016