Nuts Lowering Cholesterol For Some Some People

One of the risk factors for heart disease and strokes is high cholesterol.  Many doctors turn to cholesterol lowering medication.  Medication has two downsides: cost and the potential health risks.  Cholesterol can be lowered with dietary changes and exercise habits.  Researchers are finding that eating about 2.4 ounces of nuts per day can significantly reduce total blood cholesterol in certain people.  People that consume a typical Western diet of high-fat meats, dairy products and refined grains gained the most benefit.  People who follow a healthy Mediterranean diet of low-fat proteins, whole grains and lots of vegetables did not gain as much cholesterol lowering improvement by eating nuts.  Further, obese individuals did not experience significant cholesterol lowering benefits with the nut eating. 

Ayurveda treats each patient as an individual.  The nut study confirms the fact that there is not a uniform standard of care.  The results of the study make sense according to Ayurveda.  Those following a Western diet which is not as nutritionally sound benefit from the addition of a healthy food like nuts which probably replaces some of the high fat foods in the diet.  Those on the Mediterranean diet have a healthy diet and the nuts do not increase a benefit on that level.  Moreover, cholesterol is not the only risk factor to heart disease or stroke.  It is only a risk, so other factors need to be looked at.  An obese individual needs to lose weight.  Total food reduction is needed.  The nuts as a dietary benefit do not do enough of a job to lower cholesterol.

So what is the bottom line?  Nuts are a healthy protein alternative to high fat meats and dairy, but a holistic approach is needed.  Many lifestyle factors and changes need to be considered with the nuts.

Stay healthy & well,
Lisa