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Go Nuts for Better Health

From the Show: Train Your Body
Summary: Are you nuts for nuts? Well they are proving to be better for you than even the experts thought.
Air Date: 12/3/13
Duration: 10
Host: Melanie Cole, MS
Guest Bio: Brian Parr, PhD
ParrBrian Parr, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Exercise and Sports Science at the University of South Carolina Aiken where he teaches courses in exercise physiology, nutrition, and health behaviors. He also conducts research related to physical activity and weight loss.
Go Nuts for Better Health
Nuts are known to be beneficial because they are high in unsaturated fats, omega-3 fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals (including vitamin E), and plant sterols, which may help lower cholesterol.

One misconception about nuts is that they are high in fat... this is partially true. Even though nuts are high in total fat they are low in saturated fat.

While the experts have known for some time now that eating nuts is healthy, a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine is the first to show that it can reduce the risk of death from all causes and specific conditions including heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

You probably hear most about the benefits of tree nuts, almonds in particular, over peanuts. But this study showed the benefits held true for both peanut and tree nut (almond, cashew, pecan, etc.) consumption.

The subjects who ate the most nuts were also leaner, consumed more fruits and vegetables, were less likely to smoke, more likely to exercise, and more likely to use multivitamin supplements.

This suggests that nut consumption is part of an overall healthy lifestyle.

Join special guest, Dr Brian Parr, as he discusses in detail the findings of this research, as well as how you can benefit from adding nuts to your diet.