Nuts can reduce risk of heart failure

Those who consume nuts one to two times a week had a 20 per cent lower risk of suffering heart failure, according to a study published in journal Heart.

High nut consumption - more than three servings a week - was linked with a reduced risk of developing atrial fibrillation, which causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heartbeat.

Even a small increase in the amount of nuts included in the diet may reduce the risk of the cardiovascular diseases, the researchers say.

The study, by scientists from Sweden, monitored the cardiovascular health of 61,000 Swedish people aged 45 to 83 years old for 17 years.

Eating nuts one to three times a month was associated with a 3 per cent lower risk of developing atrial fibrillation, while those who consumed nuts three or more times a week had an 18per cent reduced risk, the research found.

Moderate, but not high, weekly consumption of nuts was associated with a lower chance of suffering heart failure, the researchers said, suggesting a less consistent link.

Previous studies have found eating nuts regularly can lower the risk of heart disease, stroke and associated death.

Nuts are a rich source of healthy fats, minerals and antioxidants, all of which could boost cardiovascular health.

"We do know that eating a handful of unsalted nuts each day will do you good, especially if they replace unhealthy snacks like crisp and sweets," says Tracy Parker, senior dietitian at the British Heart Foundation.

"However, unfortunately, going nuts for nuts won't reverse the health risks of an unhealthy lifestyle."

Australian Associated Press