Nut Consumption & Mortality

A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine examining the relationship between nut consumption and mortality found that increased frequency of nut consumption was inversely proportional to mortality rate. The study included “76,464 women in the Nurses’ Health Study (1980–2010) and 42,498 men in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (1986–2010). Participants with a history of cancer, heart disease, or stroke were excluded. Nut consumption was assessed at baseline and updated every 2 to 4 years.” However, “Because the mechanisms through which nuts may affect health and longevity are still unclear, more research is needed to elucidate the underlying biological mechanisms. Also unknown and meriting additional research are the associations between nut consumption and cancer recurrence and mortality among cancer patients.”