Walnuts After a High-Fat Meal May Reduce Risk of Heart Disease

By Doug Donaldson

Could it be true? Perhaps, according to a study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Eating about 1 1⁄2 ounces of walnuts after a high-fat meal may lessen the beginnings of arterial inflammation and oxidation, which may lead to hardened arteries and heart disease.

Walnuts also keep the blood vessels flexible and elastic. Researchers attribute the heart-healthy effects of walnuts to the omega-3 fatty acids they contain. In addition to walnuts, olive oil had the same post-high-fat-meal benefits, according to the study. Of course, healthwise, it would be better to avoid high-fat meals altogether.