A new study finds that nuts decrease the risk of cancer, heart disease and lung disease, and increase lifespan.

NUTS INCREASE HEALTH AND LIFESPAN

As I discuss in my book, A Cancer Prevention Guide for the Human Race, the so-called Mediterranean diet, which includes the regular consumption of tree nuts, has been associated with a significant decrease in the risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and other serious illnesses in several clinical studies.  Now, a very large and ongoing public health study adds further compelling evidence about the potential health benefits of nuts.  The results of this study are published in the current issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

This study includes the combined findings of two very large ongoing prospective clinically research trials, the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study.  The first study includes 121,700 female nurses who have been followed since the study opened in 1976.  The second study includes 51,529 male health professionals who have been followed since 1986.  Detailed dietary surveys were administered to the volunteers in these two studies every 2 to 4 years.

When compared to study volunteers who did not eat nuts, volunteers who ate nuts 7 or more times per week had a 20 percent lower death rate.  More specifically, increasing nut intake was associated with a significant decrease in death due to heart disease, respiratory illnesses, and cancer.  Both tree nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, etc.) and peanuts appeared to significantly reduce the risk of death due to major chronic illnesses.

The combined findings of these two very large ongoing prospective public health studies are consistent with the findings of other large studies that have linked the regular consumption of nuts with a decreased risk of chronic major illnesses, and an increased lifespan.

To learn more about the Mediterranean diet, and other evidence-based approaches to cancer prevention and heart disease prevention, please read my bestselling book, A Cancer Prevention Guide for the Human Race.

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According to recent Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for veterans who served on active duty between September 2001 and December 2011 is more than 12 percent.  A new website, Veterans in Healthcare, seeks to connect veterans with potential employers.  If you are a veteran who works in the healthcare field, or if you are an employer who is looking for physicians, advanced practice professionals, nurses, corpsmen/medics, or other healthcare professionals, then please take a look at Veterans in Healthcare. As a retired veteran of the U.S. Army, I would also like to personally urge you to hire a veteran whenever possible.

Disclaimer:  As always, my advice to readers is to seek the advice of your physician before making any significant changes in medications, diet, or level of physical activity

Dr. Wascher is an oncologic surgeon, professor of surgery, cancer researcher, oncology consultant, and a widely published author