INC Strengthens The Case for Nuts in Heart Health with New Meta-Analysis
- New Study Confirms The Benefits of Nut for Heart Health – A recent meta-analysis shows consuming nuts reduces total and LDL cholesterol levels.
- 113 Trials Reviewed – An analysis was done across a range of nuts, including macadamias, almonds, walnuts, and pistachios.
- Recommended Dosage for Benefits – Moderate consumption (45.5g daily) has been associated with cardiovascular improvements.
- Endorsement from Leading Experts – Researchers support nuts as part of a heart-healthy diet.
- Backed by INC’s Commitment to Research – Findings align with INC’s mission to promote the health benefits of nuts and dried fruits globally.
A recent meta-analysis funded by the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC) has confirmed that regular nut consumption may significantly reduce cardiovascular risk. Published in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, the study reviewed 113 trials examining the impact on blood lipids, solidifying existing evidence of their cardiovascular benefits. Nuts like macadamias, almonds, walnuts, and pistachios, were shown to reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, key markers of cardiovascular risk, when consumed at an average dose of 45.5 grams daily.
This comprehensive study aligns with current dietary recommendations for heart health, as noted by principal investigator Prof. Jordi Salas-Salvadó of Rovira i Virgili University in Spain. “Some recent studies have questioned whether nuts have benefits on cholesterol when there is overwhelming evidence of their benefits on cardiovascular health. This update of the scientific evidence, carried out with more than 100 published studies, shows that international organisations should without shyness maintain nuts into their recommendations,” commented Prof. Salas-Salvadó.
Lead author Dr Stephanie Nishi, Assistant Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada, emphasised that the nutritional profile of nuts – including essential vitamins, minerals, fibre, and healthy fats – makes them an ideal addition to a balanced diet. “Nuts provide a unique combination of nutrients, making them a convenient, portable, and satisfying snack or meal addition as part of a healthy dietary pattern,” said Dr. Nishi.
The meta-analysis covered a broad range of nut types, and while LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels showed moderate reductions, other measures, such as HDL cholesterol, were not significantly impacted. However, the evidence strongly supports incorporating nuts into a balanced diet to manage cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia.
With heart disease being a leading cause of death worldwide, these findings reinforce the importance of nuts in promoting cardiovascular health and may encourage dietary guidelines to emphasise them in heart-healthy eating plans.
About the INC
The INC is the international umbrella organisation for the nut and dried fruit industry. Its members include more than 900 companies from over 80 countries. INC membership represents over 85% of the world’s commercial trade in nuts and dried fruit. The INC’s mission is to stimulate and facilitate sustainable growth in the global industry. It is the leading international organisation on health, nutrition, statistics, food safety and international standards and regulations regarding nuts and dried fruits.
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