In recent years, studies have shown that high levels of saturated fats are a key risk in heart disease. Tree nuts, such as almonds, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans and walnuts, have no cholesterol and are high in unsaturated (“good”) fats; they help reduce LDL and total cholesterol levels. One healthy fat, linolenic acid, is an example of an unsaturated fat that helps maintain good heart health.
A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine demonstrated that men who ate one ounce of nuts at least twice a week lowered their risk of sudden cardiac health by 47%; furthermore, they lowered their risk of coronary heart disease death by 30%, when compared to men who ate no nuts at all.