Nuts Linked to Longer Life

Looking for a filling snack that could have the side benefit of prolonging your life? Reach for a handful of nuts.

According to researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, people who consume nuts regularly are less likely to die from a variety of diseases, including cancer, heart disease and respiratory diseases.

The researchers found that people who eat nuts seven or more times a week experience a 20 percent lower death rate after four years than people who do not eat nuts. They also found that nut eaters tend to be leaner, more physically active and less likely to smoke. During the study, the researchers asked specifically about how often the participants consumed almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios or walnuts.

Previous research has found that nuts are high in unsaturated fats, protein, vitamins and antioxidants that are thought to be linked to a decreased risk for heart disease.

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