Adding peanuts to your shopping list is a great way to take care of your heart. According to a new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, eating nuts regularly can help prevent heart attacks and strokes. Researchers followed 289,000 men and women – all healthy – for up to 32 years. Those who ate five servings of nuts a week were 20% less likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke. Research findings also noted that people who ate 28 g of peanuts at least twice a week reduced their risk of heart disease by 15%.
Peanuts are high in heart-healthy unsaturated fats, plant protein, fibre, vitamins, nutrients, and phytochemicals believed to benefit the heart. They have also been shown to lower cholesterol, blood pressure and inflammation.
Some ways to easily add peanuts to your weekly meals include:
- Meatless Mondays: swap meat for the protein power of peanuts.
- Mid-day Snacks: bring baggies of peanuts to work – perfectly-portioned snacks to munch on throughout the day help curb unhealthy snacking urges and can promote satiety.
- Accessorize your Meals: crush peanuts and sprinkle them on top of salads, pasta, cereal – the combinations are endless!