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The Benefits Of Nuts

by Medindia Content Team on Jul 9 2004 4:24 PM

Small, daily servings of nuts or peanut butter can significantly cut your risk of developing gallbladder disease, say researchers according to a new study. Consuming a one-ounce serving of peanuts or other nuts five or more times a week can lower the risk of cholecystectomy, or removal of the gallbladder, by 25 percent. For those who prefer peanut butter, one tablespoon five or more times a week lowers the risk by 15 percent.

Even though their health benefits have been identified in several studies, some dieters may avoid nuts because of how many calories they contain. This study adds to previous research that shows frequently consuming nuts and peanut butter does not increase body mass index. Researchers say they found that women in this study who consumed more nuts actually tended to weigh less the reason being that the energy contained in nuts tends to be balanced by decreased intakes of other sources of energy or by increased physical activity.

Thus researchers conclude saying that in addition to the well-documented benefits of healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fats in peanuts and nuts, other chemical components, such as fiber and magnesium, may also play a role in their healthy effects. Researchers also say that dietary fiber may reduce the risk of gallstones by improving insulin sensitivity and decreasing recirculation of bile acids.


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