Almonds and heart health

Eating nuts regularly has been associated with a protective effect on coronary heart disease, thought to be due to their cholesterol-lowering effect.

Recent research using almonds added to different meals raises the possibility they may also contribute to heart health by lowering the glycaemic response to meals and reducing oxidative damage following meal consumption.

While almonds contain healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, almond skins also contain around 30 different antioxidant compounds, which are thought to contribute to their health benefits.

Source: Journal of Nutrition, December 2006