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diseases, specifically.
For this study, researchers examined
data from 67,014 women of the Nurs- es’ Health Study with an average age of 63.6 years and 26,326 men from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study aged 63.3 years in 1986 (the first cycle collected data of walnut consumption in both cohorts). Participants were relatively healthy when they joined the studies (e.g., free of cancer, heart disease, and stroke) and were fol- lowed for about 20 years (1998-2018). Dietary intake was assessed every 4 years in which participants reported on their overall dietary intake - includ- ing how often they consumed walnuts, other tree nuts, and peanuts – as well as lifestyle factors like exercise and smoking status. Based on this data, the researchers were able to identify asso- ciations between walnut consumption at varying levels and different health indicators related to longevity.
As a prospective observational study, these results do not prove cause
FOCUS: CONFECTIONERY & SNACKS (Source: California Walnut Commission)
and effect, but they do shed light on how walnuts may support an overall healthy lifestyle that promotes longev- ity. Participants who consumed great- er amounts of walnuts tended to be more physically active, have a health- ier diet, lower alcohol consumption, and take multivitamins. All of these factors could influence life expectancy, however, the researchers adjusted for
these aspects in their analysis. In ad- dition, it’s important to note that this data was collected before the current COVID-19 pandemic.
One ounce of walnuts is a power- house of important nutrients for opti- mum health, including protein (4g), fi- ber (2g), a good source of magnesium (45mg) and an excellent source of the essential Omega- 3 ALA (2.5g).
(Source: California Walnut Commission)
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