Here’s to a happier, healthier 2014!

One of the conversations floating around our office is of New Year’s resolutions, especially those with a health focus.  We all want to exercise more, eat healthier and in general take better care of ourselves in the New Year. The key is finding sustainable ways to keep our resolutions throughout the year, especially after the excitement of January wears off. What if I told you that a simple dietary change that not only tasted good, but also required zero prep work, had the potential to dramatically improve your health and longevity – would you do it?

A recent study assessed the effects of nut consumption on mortality.  Over 75,000 women in the Nurses’ Health Study and 40,000 men in the Health Professionals Study were followed since the 1980’s, comprising an impressive 3 million plus person-years of follow-up.  The study found that as nut consumption increased, the risk of death during the study period decreased.  For example, participants who consumed nuts just once a week were 11% less likely to have died during the study and consumption of nuts on a daily basis was associated with an astounding 20% reduction in death during the study, as compared to those who didn’t eat nuts.  Increased nut consumption was associated with reduced deaths from heart disease, cancer and respiratory disease¹.

The findings from this observational study are consistent with clinical intervention studies showing that nut consumption lowers markers of chronic disease, such as “bad” cholesterol, as well as improving triglyceride levels².

Nuts are packed full of beneficial nutrients, being rich in healthy fats, protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants.  If you want to make a small healthy change for 2014 (and are fortunate enough not to have a nut allergy), grab a handful of nuts and eat to good health!  Cheers!!