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Nuts, peanuts may help prevent major causes of death

Half a handful of nuts every day was linked to decreased instances of death from cancer, diabetes, and respiratory, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases.

By Stephen Feller

MAASTRICHT, Netherlands, June 11 (UPI) -- People who eat nuts and peanuts every day were found to have a lower risk of dying from several major causes of death than those with a nut-free diet, according to a new study.

The study found that half a handful of nuts or peanuts, but not peanut butter, was related to lower instances of mortality from cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and respiratory and neurodegenerative diseases.

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Researchers reviewed data collected from 120,852 men and women since 1986 as part of the Netherlands Cohort Study, which focuses on links between dietary habits and cancer. The review of data confirmed earlier research in the U.S. and Asia that found nuts to be associated with lower levels of cardiovascular diseases.

"It was remarkable that substantially lower mortality was already observed at consumption levels of 15 grams of nuts or peanuts on average per day (half a handful)," said Professor Piet van den Brandt of Maastricht University, in a press release. "A higher intake was not associated with further reduction in mortality risk."

Peanuts and tree nuts contain compounds that include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, various vitamins, fiber, antioxidants, and other bioactive compounds, which researchers all believe contribute to lower death rates. Peanut butter includes additional ingredients, including salt and trans fatty acid, both of which may affect the positive attributes of the nuts alone.

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The study is published in the International Journal of Epidemiology.

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