Regular consumption of nuts and peanuts could reduce risk of cancer and heart disease

Eating nuts and peanuts daily could help protect against cancer, heart disease and other respiratory diseases, according to a new study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology.

The study, carried out as part of the Netherlands Cohort Study, revealed a connection between regular nut consumption and lower mortality rates but the same results were not present in the consumption of peanut butter.

Results indicated that men and women who consumed at least 10 grams of nuts or peanuts per day had a lower risk of death from major disease than those who don’t regularly eat nuts or peanuts.

Epidemiologist and project leader, Professor Piet van den Brandt, said: “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).

“A higher intake was not associated with further reduction in mortality risk. This was also supported by a meta-analysis of previously published studies together with the Netherlands Cohort Study, in which cancer and respiratory mortality showed this same dose-response pattern.”

The Netherlands Cohort Study was established in 1986, surveying 120,000 Dutch men and women, aged 55–69 years old. They were assessed on how frequent and how big their portion sizes were when consuming peanuts or other tree nuts, as well as peanut butter.

The research was analysed by Maastricht University in the Netherlands, focusing on the relationship between causes of mortality since 1986. Researchers found peanuts showed a strong reduction in mortality rates; however peanuts were not associated with mortality.

Mortality rates for respiratory diseases were reduced the most; In addition, researchers noted a reduction in deaths from neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer in both women and men.

Peanuts and tree nuts contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, fibre and antioxidants that could help to reduce mortality rates. Peanut butter was found to contain added salt, oils and trans fats which were found to inhibit the effects of peanuts on their own.

The results of the study supported results of other American and Asian studies focusing on nut and peanut intake and deaths from cardiovascular diseases, in addition to finding lower mortality rates in other diseases as a result of daily nut and peanut consumption.