Nuts good for health, study says

NEW YORK - Reuters

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People who eat a diet rich in nuts, including peanuts, are less likely to die from heart disease or cancer, new research suggests.

The more nuts consumed, the greater the apparent benefit, according to the report. “Nuts used to be demonized because they’re high in fat. Now, 20 years later, they’re recognized as a healthful food,” researcher Jeffrey Blumberg said. “It’s just like coffee and eggs used to be demonized,” Blumberg said. “Eggs used to be a heart attack in a shell. Nuts are high in fat, but they’re high in good fats.”

The new study, the largest to look at deaths, suggests the health benefits of nuts may translate to a lower risk of premature death, researchers said.